Serous pericarditis is commonly associated with which autoimmune disease?

• A. Rheumatoid Arthritis
• B. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• C. Sjogren Syndrome
• D. Polymyositis

Answer: (B)

Serous pericarditis reflects serositis from autoimmune disease, where immune-mediated inflammation affects serous membranes and often yields clear, straw-colored fluid. Systemic lupus erythematosus is classically associated with serous involvement of multiple serous surfaces, including the pericardium, due to immune complex deposition and inflammatory response. This makes pericardial serositis a well-known lupus manifestation, and it’s more characteristic than in the other autoimmune conditions listed. Rheumatoid arthritis can involve the pericardium but is more often fibrinous; Sjögren syndrome and polymyositis commonly lack serous pericardial involvement.