Persistent dyspnea and leg edema

Persistent dyspnea and leg edema
Allergy Asthma Proc. 2007 Jul-Aug

Nguyen KD, Frieri M.
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 11568, USA. knguye01@nyit.edu

Abstract:

This case illustrates a complexity of confounding and overlapping symptoms that can masquerade as another diagnosis. A 56-year-old African American man with persistent dyspnea and leg edema was hospitalized three times in a period of 6 months. The patient was treated for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure. Hypertension and peptic ulcer disease were treated also. Complete clinical improvement was not observed. A careful review of his last admission and current admission clinical presentation and laboratory evaluation revealed a systemic manifestation and laboratory findings consistent with atypical systemic lupus erythematosus.

Keywords: Asthma; atypical; chest pain; CHF; COPD; diagnosis; dyspnea; edema; problem solving case; SLE

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