Acute Lupus Pneumonitis—Case Report and Literature Review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that is characterized by its chronic course and the involvement of many organs and systems. The most common abnormality in the respiratory system of SLE patients is lupus pleuritis. Less common is parenchymal involvement, which may present as acute lupus pneumonitis (ALP) or chronic interstitial lung disease. Other possible pulmonary manifestations of SLE include pulmonary embolism, diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, acute reversible hypoxaemia, and shrinking lung syndrome. We present the case report of a young woman with previously diagnosed membranous glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syn- drome and antiphospholipid syndrome, who was admitted with marked of shortness of breath. The diagnostic process, including imaging studies and laboratory tests, enabled us to confirm a diagnosis of ALP. After initiation of treatment with high doses of methyloprednisolone, nearly complete remission of pulmonary changes was observed. We also perform a literature review regarding acute lupus pneumonitis.