Protein-losing enteropathy associated with hypocomplementemia and anti-nuclear antibodies

J Gastroenterol. 2000;35(8):627-30. doi: 10.1007/s005350070063.

Abstract

We report a case of protein-losing enteropathy associated with an autoimmune disorder, presumably systemic lupus erythematosus. Although typical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus were lacking, a high serum cholesterol level, a low serum complement level, positivity for anti-nuclear antibody, and positivity for anti-single-strand DNA antibody suggested an autoimmune mechanism as the cause of the condition. Although immunohistological examination of duodenal and ileal biopsy specimens failed to reveal deposits of immune complex or complement in the vessels, capillary hyperpermeability was suspected as the mechanism of the condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood
  • Capillary Permeability
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Complement System Proteins / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / blood
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies* / blood
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies* / diagnosis
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies* / etiology
  • Radionuclide Imaging

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Complement System Proteins
  • Cholesterol