Systemic lupus erythematosus initially manifesting as acute pericarditis complicating with cardiac tamponade : a case report.

A 23-year-old woman was admitted with progressive shortness of breath. Echocardiography showed a large volume of pericardial effusion, which indicated cardiac tamponade. Yellowish and puriform fluid with increased white blood cell count (neutrophil dominant) was aspirated, but antibiotics were ineffective. Further examination revealed the presence of positive anti ds-DNA antibody, anti SS-A antibody and anti Sm antibody, resulting in a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Her condition was smoothly improved by predonisolone administration. Cardiac tamponade is a rare initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.