Aseptic necrosis presenting as wrist pain in SLE

Arthritis Rheum. 1977 Apr;20(3):825-8. doi: 10.1002/art.1780200311.

Abstract

Aseptic necrosis of the wrist in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not rare. In 156 patients with SLE, aseptic necrosis occurred in 11 patients, of whom 3 (27%) had wrist involvement. Onset of pain was insidious and the symptoms were thought to be related to synovitis due to SLE. An average of 11 months elapsed before aseptic necrosis was correctly diagnosed. An awareness of this possibility is important in the management of any patient with SLE who complains of wrist pain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Carpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnosis*
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteonecrosis / drug therapy
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Radiography
  • Synovitis / diagnosis
  • Wrist*

Substances

  • Prednisone