Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in systemic lupus erythematosus]
Min Shen1, Xue-jun Zeng, Hong-wei Fan
1Department of Rheumatology, the Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi
|June 20, 2009
Summary
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare, severe complication in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Key symptoms include hypoxemia and dyspnea, often with kidney involvement, not always hemoptysis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Context:
- Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening pulmonary manifestation.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical presentations.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the clinical characteristics of DAH in SLE patients.
- To identify common symptoms, extrapulmonary manifestations, and outcomes associated with DAH in SLE.
Summary:
- This study reviewed 17 SLE patients with DAH, finding hypoxemia (100%), dyspnea (88%), and cough (88%) as prevalent symptoms, with hemoptysis in 71%.
- Renal involvement (94%) was the most frequent extrapulmonary feature. Lung infection complicated ~60% of cases. Mean SLEDAI was 17.
- High-dose steroids and cyclophosphamide were standard treatments. Mechanical ventilation was more common in non-survivors.
Impact:
- Highlights DAH as a critical, potentially fatal SLE complication.
- Emphasizes the need for early recognition of DAH in SLE, even without hemoptysis.
- Informs clinical management strategies for SLE patients experiencing DAH.
