Thrombophlebitis in systemic lupus erythematosus
B. Peck, G. S. Hoffman and W. A. Franck
Thrombophlebitis occurred in 14 (12.2%) of 114 patients with active
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Abnormal clotting occurred despite the
presence of thrombocytopenia or circulating anticoagulants in some of the
patients, and the development of pulmonary emboli was verified in seven.
Although infrequently reported, the association of thrombophlebitis with
active SLE is apparently not uncommon. While there were no features that
distinguished this group of patients from other groups of patients with
SLE, there are some possible mechanisms. Recognition of this complication
of SLE is important because of the frequent occurrence of SLE-induced
pleuritis and its similarity to the pain of pulmonary emboli.
