Thrombophlebitis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

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.