Chylous ascites and chylothorax as presentation of a systemic progression of discoid lupus.

We describe a patient with a history of discoid lupus erythematosus who presented with chylous ascites and chylothorax. Analysis of peritoneal and pleural fluid showed a high level of triglycerides and the presence of antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody. Further study revealed other diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus and serologic markers of disease activity. The patient was successfully treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy and high doses of prednisone, followed by immunosuppressants.