Fulminant Systemic Vasculitis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Case Report and Review of the Literature

The document reported a case of a 17-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who experienced a fulminant course of the disease, leading to her death. She initially presented with symptoms such as arthralgias, myalgias, edema, and hair loss, which progressed to severe systemic symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, and respiratory failure. Despite treatment with methylprednisolone, her condition deteriorated, and she died six hours after being admitted to a tertiary hospital. Autopsy revealed active diffuse lupus nephritis and systemic vasculitis affecting multiple organs. The case highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and timely referral for intensive treatment to improve outcomes in patients with SLE and vasculitis.