Digital Gangrene as the Initial Presentation of Lupus Nephritis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect any organ, but SLE presenting with digital gangrene is very rare, less than 0.2%. Digital gangrene is a very serious manifestation as it may lead to ischemic necrosis and amputation. Digital gangrene is due to poor perfusion of digits, usually caused by peripheral vascular disease, vasculitis or vasospasm. This is a case report of a 50-year-old female who initially developed gangrene of the hands and feet, later presenting with rapidly progressing renal failure. Her diagnostic and therapeutic challenges were due to her atypical presentation and coexistent sepsis.

Author(s): B. Padmapriya, M. Edwin Fernando*, S. Thirumalvalavan and K. Thirumalvalavan

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