[Diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Abstract

Diffuse lung hemorrhage (DLH) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We observed lung abnormalities in 72 cases (39.5%) out of 182 SLE patients. DLH was confirmed in 3 male patients with steroids and cyclophosphamide was favorable in all cases but there was a recurrence in one case. None of the patients died due to this condition, although artificial live maintaining measures were necessary in one patient. DLH is more difficult to suspect of in the absence of hemoptysis and when there is not a previous diagnosis of SLE. However, the decrease in hematocrit and serum complement levels in a patient with bilateral lung infiltrate can be orientative. DLH must be included in the differential diagnosis of bilateral alveolar infiltrates in SLE inspite its low frequency, since it is a condition with e high mortality rate but with possible cure if it is promptly diagnosed.