A review of gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

In this review, we analyse critically the effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from mouth to anus, attempting to distinguish the features that are most likely to be due to therapy. GI manifestations of SLE include mouth ulcers, dysphagia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, haemorrhage and abdominal pain. GI vasculitis is usually accompanied by evidence of active disease in other organs. Early recognition of the significance of these symptoms offers the best opportunity to improve the symptoms and to aid long-term survival.