Fatal full-blown systemic lupus erythematosus.

Complications in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to mortality (1). A 54-year-old woman with an 18-year history of SLE was admitted because of abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and mental confusion. A physical examination revealed a late systolic murmur and mild abdominal distension. Her complete blood count showed mild anemia and thrombocytopenia. The imaging studies showed a dilated colon with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (Picture 1). After admission, the patient’s severe diarrhea, vomiting, and hematochezia became uncontrollable, and she died as a result of multi-organ failure. An