Septic bursitis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Septic olecranon bursitis developed in three patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Although promptly treated with systemic antibiotics, the clinical course in two patients became prolonged and eventually required bursectomy to eradicate the infection. The occurrence of septic bursitis was a manifestation of the general susceptibility of SLE patients to infections.