Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage as an unusual presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Rheumatol Int. 2011 Aug;31(8):1085-7. doi: 10.1007/s00296-009-1227-6. Epub 2009 Oct 27.

Abstract

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is rarely seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), often associated with a poor outcome. It almost affects young women and it is an unusual initial manifestation of SLE. We report a case of SLE presenting with DAH. The patient was a male. He had no history of photosensitivity, malar rash, discoid rash, arthritis, and oral ulcer. Antinuclear antibody, and anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) were positive with very high titers, and serum complement levels (C3, C4) were low. He also had renal dysfunction and pericardial effusion. He was diagnosed as DAH due to SLE. He had to undergo hemodialysis for several weeks. DAH and renal dysfunction were improved with intensive treatment including corticosteroid, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mophetil.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Hemorrhage / complications
  • Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lung Diseases / complications
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / therapy
  • Male
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / pathology*
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Mycophenolic Acid