A CASE OF MALE SLE: AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune diseasein which tissue-binding auto-antibodies and immune complex depositioncause damage to multiple organs and systems.We report a rare case of SLE in a 31-year-old male patient. He has a past history of unprovoked deep vein thrombosis of right lower limb for 8 years, treated with anticoagulant therapy but not evaluated further. The patient went on to develop recurrent symptoms of fever, rashes and joint pains which were also overlooked. ANA profile and APLA antibodies were positive and the patient was diagnosed with SLE after 8 years since onset of symptoms. He now exhibits renal manifestations in the form of anasarca and proteinuria and CNS manifestations in the form of seizures. We attribute the severity of his current condition to the delayed diagnosis.