A rare case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with massive bilateral pleural effusions and generalized edema as the first manifestations, is reported. The patient was a previously healthy 13-year-old boy. He presented with a history of fever, lack of appetite, gradually increasing fatigue, cough, diffuse edema, and moderate dyspnea. He responded well to corticosteroids with resolution of the pleural effusions, and edema. SLE should always be kept in mind in cases of massive pleural effusions and/or diffuse edema, even in the absence of other clinical manifestations of the disease. Lupus (2011) 20, 308-310.
C1 [Aslan, M.; Dogan, D. G.; Yakinci, C.] Inonu Univ, Sch Med, Turgut Ozal Med Ctr, Dept Pediat, TR-44315 Malatya, Turkey.
[Bicak, U.] Med Pk Hosp, TR-27034 Elazig, Turkey.
[Dogan, M.] Inonu Univ, Sch Med, Turgut Ozal Med Ctr, Dept Radiol, TR-44315 Malatya, Turkey.