[Pulmonary manifestations of lupus erythematodes visceralis]

Eight patients with SLE were found on clinical and roentgenological grounds or by respiratory function tests to have evidence of lung involvement. Great discrepancies were noted between clinical findings and the results of the respiratory function tests on the one hand and lacking or discrete radiological changes on the other hand. Four patients with pulmonary fibrosis without auscultatory signs showed decreased compliance values and decreased diffusion and vital capacities were noticed in two. In only 2 out of 4 patients with abnormal clinical signs could fibrotic changes be detected roentgenologically. Corresponding to the general diagnostic experience the measurement of compliance, diffusion capacity and vital capacity are the most appropriate methodes for assessing these visceral manifestations of SLE.