Lymphatic System Case Study
IC/CC: A 34 year-old female presents to her physician with a butterfly shaped rash over the
bridge of her nose and cheeks that is made worse by
sunlight.
HPI: The patient reports that she has been experiencing increasing
malaise, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, joint pain, swelling, and
early morning stiffness over the past two months.
PE: VS: fever (38.9 C). Diffuse maculopapular rash over the arms, back,
and chest. Raised erythematous malar rash over the cheeks and nose,
extending to the ears. Movements of the knees, wrists, and joints of the
hands are restricted and painful.
LABS: Elevated ESR (Sed. Rate). anti-Smith and anti-dsDNA antibodies
present. Proteinuria and hematuria are present.
Questions
1. When a condition (ex: rash) is made worse by sunlight, the medical term is
LUPUS
sensitive.
2. What body system seems to be affected the most in this patient?
3. What is a macule? How is it different than a papule?
4. An elevated Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a non-specific test to
determine if there is any inflammation or infection. Is it a blood test or urine
test?
5. What is proteinuria? What is hematuria?
6. What is causing this disease?
7. Can you name this disease? Give description, signs and symptoms,
diagnostic tests and treatment of the disorder.

1. When a condition, such as a rash, is made worse by sunlight, the medical term used is "photosensitive." 2. In this case study, the body system that seems to be affected the most is the immune system. 3. A macule is a flat, discolored spot on the skin, like a freckle. A papule, on the other hand, is a raised bump on the skin, like a pimple. 4. An elevated Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a blood test used to determine the presence of inflammation or infection in the body. 5. Proteinuria is the presence of excess protein in the urine, while hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. 6. The disease described in the case study is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In SLE, various organs and systems of the body can be affected. 7. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes (like the butterfly rash described), fever, and kidney involvement (seen through proteinuria and hematuria). Diagnostic tests for SLE may include blood tests for anti-Smith and anti-dsDNA antibodies, elevated ESR, and physical examination. Treatment usually involves managing symptoms with medications and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and control the immune response. It's essential for patients with SLE to have regular follow-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their condition.