Respiratory Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Respiratory lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are relatively common. Pleurisy (pleuritis) is a frequent pulmonary disease in SLE. Sometimes interstitial pneumonia (IP, lupus pneumonia), alveolar hemorrhage, and pulmonary infarction are seen. Pleurisy is usually mild but can sometimes be a severe refractory disease. Interstitial lung disease includes acute IP due to SLE and chronic pulmonary fibrosis. Diaphragmatic dysfunction is also seen. Some cases become chronic after acute lupus pneumonia. Alveolar hemorrhage can be a cause of death depending on the degree. Pulmonary infarction is not uncommon in SLE. This chapter provides an overview of respiratory involvement in SLE.