Primary lupus-associated protein-losing enteropathy.

A 79-year-old native American female with a history of diabetes mellitus, but no history of hepatic or renal disease, presented with anasarca and hypoalbuminemia. Laboratory tests for fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin and an indium III-labeled plasma transferrin nuclear scan revealed a protein-losing enteropathy. A serological test was positive for antinuclear antibody in a titer of 1:1250 with a homogeneous pattern. This finding combined with low normal serum complement levels suggested the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This case is unusual in that protein-losing enteropathy was the only presenting symptoms. The late onset of this disease is also unusual.