In order to document intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) as a recently recognized manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we report the case or a woman with SLE who presented with IPO and we review 21 other previously reported cases from an English literature search. In 41% of the cases, IPO was the initial manifestation of their underlying lupus. The clinical and laboratory features were not significantly different from those reported in large series of patients with SLE, except for an apparent association with an urinary tract involvement (ureterohydronephrosis and interstitial cystitis). The pathogenic mechanism of this complication is not fully understood, but seems to be heterogeneous. IPO responded readily to high dose steroid therapy in all patients, but in some cases this complication evolved regardless of the underlying disease activity. A high level of awareness of this complication is needed to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.
Stomatococcus mucilaginosus is a gram-positive coccus present in the normal flora of the mouth and upper respiratory tract of humans. Although traditionally believed to be an organism of low virulence, S. mucilaginosus has recently been recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen, especially in patients with chronic immunosuppressive diseases. This report describes the case of a patient with known mitral valve prolapse, who presented with a mycotic cerebral aneurysm revealing a non-nosocomial spontaneous S. mucilaginosus endocarditis. The spectrum of infections due to this opportunistic pathogen is reviewed, with particular focus on assessing the clinical characteristics and prognosis of S. mucilaginosus infective endocarditis.
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