A Rare Case of Costovertebral Arthritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This case study describes a 32-year-old woman with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) who experienced chronic back pain due to costovertebral arthritis, a rare manifestation of SLE. Despite multiple evaluations and treatments, including Hydroxychloroquine, NSAIDs, and Mycophenolate Mofetil, her pain persisted. Extensive imaging and multidisciplinary team input eventually identified the arthritis as the cause of her symptoms. This case underscores the importance of thorough clinical evaluation and imaging in diagnosing complex pain syndromes in SLE, highlighting that costovertebral arthritis, though rare, should be considered in similar cases. Effective management may require local steroid injections and a multidisciplinary approach.