Systemic lupus erythematosus is the classic prototype of a multisystem disease of autoimmune origin. It is non-organ specific and characterised by vasculitis and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). Other manifestations of this disease are not vasculitic, for example cutaneous and some CNS signs.

Acute or insidious in its onset, it is a chronic, remitting and relapsing, often febrile illness characterised principally by injury to the skin, joints, kidney and serosal membranes. However, virtually every organ in the body may be affected.