Ruptured hemorrhagic corpus luteum as a presenting symptom of systemic lupus erythematous

Abstract

A young female presented to the emergency room with ruptured hemorrhagic corpus luteum (RHCL). Her workup revealed a new diagnosis of SLE with nephritis and positive lupus anticoagulant (LAC) test without thrombocytopenia. We reviewed the literature and found one similar case of a 23-year-old subject who presented with a RHCL that was found to be the presenting symptom of SLE; unlike the current case, the patient presented with severe anemia (Hg 6.7 g/dl) and thrombocytopenia (10,000/ml). Possible mechanisms are discussed.