Acute pneumonitis with pulmonary hemorrhage an uncommon and potentially fatal complication of systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report
Chopra, R.; Radotra, B.D.; Varma, S.; Gupta, K.L.; Joshi, K.
Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology 42(3): 375-378
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0377-4929 PMID: 10862303 Document Number: 500782
Acute pneumonitis with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage is potentially fatal. When it occurs in a patient of systemic lupus erythematosus, the primary disease itself may be responsible for it; rather than any complicating infection or metabolic/physiological derangement. Diagnosis of primary pulmonary involvement by systemic lupus erythematosus can only be made on open lung biopsy coupled with immunofluorescent and/or ultrastructural studies. Early diagnosis of acute pulmonary complications in systemic lupus erythematosus patients is essential as specific management is reported to improve the chances of recovery.