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

This document reported a case of a 17-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who experienced a fulminant course of systemic vasculitis. Initially presenting with arthralgias, myalgias, edema, and hair loss, her condition rapidly deteriorated to include severe symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and respiratory failure. Despite treatment with methylprednisolone, she succumbed to the disease within six hours of admission to a tertiary hospital. Autopsy revealed extensive organ involvement, including diffuse lupus nephritis and systemic vasculitis. The case highlighted the critical importance of early diagnosis and timely referral for intensive treatment to improve patient outcomes in severe SLE cases.