Background Gastrointestinal manifestations are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Lupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV) is a major cause of acute abdominal pain in SLE patients. No early serum marker contributes to the diagnosis of lupus mesenteric vasculitis.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate clinical significance of serum D-dimer level as an early diagnosis marker of LMV patients.

Methods The 57 systemic lupus erythematosus patients were retrospectively analyzed and classified into LMV group (n=19) and Non-LMV group (n=38) between May 2010 and January 2016. The serum D-dimer level was measured on the first day after SLE patients presented acute abdomen as well as imaging, other laboratory-testing parameters, and SLEDAI during the same period. The maximum and mean D-dimer values were analyzed and compared with other potential markers for diagnosis of LMV. The correlation of D-dimer level with other potential severity markers and inflammation parameters were also studied.

Results Both maximum and mean D-dimer level on the first day of presentation of acute abdomen were significantly higher in LMV patients. The D-dimer level was correlated well with L-lactate and SLEDAI. In addition, D-dimer level was detected poor correlation with white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level.

Conclusions D-dimer level could be an effective and early serum diagnosis marker of LMV.

Disclosure of Interest None declared