SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS PRESENTING AS SUPERIOR VENA-CAVA SYNDROME-ASSOCIATED WITH ANTICARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting as superior ve na cava syndrome is presented. This 19-year-old woman was admitted for headache and swelling in her face and neck. Initial evaluation reveal ed that she had a superior vena cava syndrome. Thoracal computed tomog raphy (CT) and intravenous digital substraction angiography demonstrat ed the occlusion in the superior vena cava. ANA and antiDNA titers wer e high and anticardiolipin antibodies were positive. Along with immuno suppressive treatment, she had been administered intravenous streptoki nase. To our knowledge, no SLE patient presenting with such an unusual form has been described in the English literature.