Systemic lupus erythematosus: unusual presentation with gastric polyps and vasculitis.

A case of SLE with the unique association of gastric polyps and vasculitis is reported. Gastrointestinal symptoms, surgical indications, and complications of SLE with gastrointestinal involvement are reviewed. The unusual patterns of ileus or lupus peritonitis secondary to mesenteric vasculitis must be differentiated from a true surgical emergency. Corticosteroids may be expected to produce rapid clinical improvement in the two former instances. Surgical exploration is reserved for those cases with clinical or radiologic evidence of uncontrollable hemorrhage, bowel perforation, or mesenteric infarction.