Massive ascites in systemic lupus erythematosus.

We report a 59-year-old woman who developed massive, painless ascites attributed to systemic lupus erythematosus. Extensive investigations, including exploratory laparotomy, failed to demonstrate hepatic, renal, cardiac, infectious, or malignant disease. Therapy with systemic corticosteroids resulted in dramatic disappearance of ascites which has not recurred after 2 years.