SLE
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Slit-lamp examination |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical |
SLE has two meanings. It stands for Slit-lamp examination (ophthalmology & ENT) or Systemic lupus erythematosus (musculoskeletal & rheumatology).
Meanings of SLE at a glance
| # | SLE stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slit-lamp examination | Medical › Ophthalmology & ENT |
| 2 | Systemic lupus erythematosus | Medical › Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology |
1. Slit-lamp examination
Medical · Ophthalmology & ENT Abbreviations
Eye examination using a biomicroscope that projects a thin beam of light, allowing magnified, three-dimensional views of the eyelids, cornea, iris, lens and, with extra lenses, the retina. It is central to nearly every eye clinic visit.
Example: SLE: 2+ nuclear sclerosis OU, cornea clear, anterior chamber deep and quiet.
Swedish ophthalmologist Allvar Gullstrand developed the slit lamp in 1911. Fluorescein dye under cobalt blue light shows corneal scratches and ulcers. In rheumatology SLE means systemic lupus erythematosus, so eye notes usually write "slit lamp exam" or simply record the findings.
2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
Medical · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology Abbreviations
Chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, brain and heart, with flares and remissions. About 90 percent of patients are women, usually diagnosed between 15 and 45, and nearly all have a positive ANA.
Example: SLE with class IV lupus nephritis; induction mycophenolate plus belimumab, continue hydroxychloroquine.
"Lupus" is Latin for wolf, possibly from the facial rash. The 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria require a positive ANA as an entry criterion. Hydroxychloroquine is recommended for nearly all patients because it reduces flares and improves survival. Belimumab (2011) and anifrolumab (2021) were the first new lupus drugs in decades. In ophthalmology SLE means slit-lamp examination.
Related abbreviations
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- PVD – Posterior vitreous detachment
- RAPD – Relative afferent pupillary defect
- RD – Retinal detachment
- RP – Retinitis pigmentosa
- SLT – Selective laser trabeculoplasty
- SMILE – Small incision lenticule extraction
- SNHL – Sensorineural hearing loss
- SPH – Sphere
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations
- RICE – Rest, ice, compression and elevation
- RSA – Reverse shoulder arthroplasty
- SCFE – Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- SLAP – Superior labrum anterior to posterior (tear)
- SS – Sjögren's syndrome
- SSc – Systemic sclerosis
- THA – Total hip arthroplasty
- THR – Total hip replacement
See all 71 musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.