Successful treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus pleuropericarditis with belimumab

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a wide variety of manifestations and a difficult disease control in some patients. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman who presentedwith a flare of SLE including arthritis and pleuropericarditis that responded to neither leflunomide,methotrexate, nor high doses of prednisone. After initiating treatment with belimumab, the patientexperienced a quick and notorious improvement. She remains stable to this day while continuingbelimumab therapy.