Drug-induced lupus erythematosus

Symptoms:

• fever
• loss of appetite
• general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
• weight loss
• skin rash
  • malar "butterfly" rash
  • sunlight aggravates skin rash

• joint pain
• joint swelling
• blurring vision
• pleuritic chest pain

Signs and tests:

The history shows use of a medication associated with drug induced lupus. An examination of the skin shows characteristic skin rash or lesions. Signs of pericarditis may be present. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) may reveal abnormal sounds such as heart murmur, pleural friction rub, or pericardial friction rub.

Tests for SLE include:

• antinuclear antibody (ANA) panel
• lupus erythematosus cell test
• anti-DNA test
• anti-SM test

A chest X-ray may show pleuritis or pericarditis. An ECG may show heart involvement.