Myocarditis as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

We report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) whose initial presentation was in the form of myocarditis. The patient did not have arthritis, fever or butterfly rash. Presence of LE cell phenomenon, positive ANA, anti-DS DNA antibodies, leucopenia and high ESR with polyserositis indicated the diagnosis to be SLE. Therapy with steroid resulted in complete recovery. The patient developed atrial fibrillation during her course of acute illness which is being reported for the first time.