Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as intermittent intestinal obstruction.

Two patients are reported who presented to surgeons with intermittent intestinal obstruction of the small intestine. The intestine was inflamed and oedematous and was resected. Subsequently both patients developed systemic lupus erythematosus. One patient continued to have intestinal obstruction until treated with steroids, to which both patients subsequently responded. Histology showed a diffuse infiltration with eosinophils. The relevant literature on gastro-intestinal lupus erythematosus is reviewed.