Pericardial Effusion, a Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Four cases of systemic lupus erythematosus with pericardial effusion as a prominent manifestation are reported. Lack of awareness of this finding as a not infrequent part of the disease entity led to misdiagnosis in 2 instances and incorrect treatment in 1. The literature on the subject is reviewed and suggestions are offered for diagnosis.