Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease that can manifest in older individuals, presenting unique diagnostic challenges because of its atypical presentations and comorbidities. Pleural effusion is a relatively uncommon manifestation of SLE, with studies suggesting a higher prevalence in older than younger patients. We herein report an atypical case of delayed-onset SLE in a 75-year-old man with left-sided pleural effusion as the initial presentation. This case underscores the difficulty of diagnosing SLE in patients of advanced age and the importance of considering a broad range of differential diagnoses, even in cases that may suggest a more common disease. This case also highlights the fact that unilateral pleural effusion can be an initial manifestation of SLE, and when the cause of the pleural effusion is unclear, SLE should be considered as a potential diagnosis.

A 74-year-old man developed with left pleural effusion and was suspected of benign asbestos pleural effusion and tuberculous pleurisy. Because of elevation of ADA level in the pleural effusion, diagnostic treatment for tuberculous pleurisy by anti-tuberculosis drugs was performed. However, right pleural effusion, cutaneous/mucosal lesions, leukocytopenia, and fever elevation occurred. The pathology of skin biopsy was consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Since clinical findings did not improve even after discontinuation of all drugs, he received steroid therapy was started and clinical findings improved. He was suspected of late-onset SLE. In conclusion, lupus pleurisy should also be differentiated when pleural effusion is seen in older. Late-onset SLE and drug-induced lupus should be carefully differentiated based on the clinical course.

While functional decline is a common syndrome in geriatric medicine, the diagnosis of the underlying disease can be complex. We present a case of very late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus with fever, arthritis, lymphadenopathy, sicca syndrome, pleurisy, renal impairment and reversible functional and cognitive impairments. Prompt improvement was observed on prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine.
UNASSIGNED: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) rarely occurs in octogenarian patients.In such oldest old patients, SLE may predominantly present with subacute cognitive and functional impairments.Low-dose treatment (prednisolone 7.5 mg/day and hydroxychloroquine 5 mg/kg/day) can reverse all SLE manifestations within 1 month.

Lichen planus and lupus nephritis with late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (LO-SLE) may occur concomitantly. However, coexistence of LO-SLE with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and lichen planus has not been defined. In this article, we report a 57-year-old male patient presenting with lichen planus and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis who was subsequently diagnosed with LO-SLE. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of LO-SLE presenting with lichen planus and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.