Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema Preceding Lupus Pleuritis
Yosuke Kamiya1, Mikio Toyoshima, Norimichi Akiyama
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hamamatsu Rosai Hospital, Japan.
Abstract:
An 83-year-old man, who was a former smoker, with anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibody-positive combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema presented with a cough and dyspnea. A chest radiograph showed bilateral pleural effusions. His laboratory data showed proteinuria and elevated levels of anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-double strand DNA antibodies, and CA125, with decreased serum complement levels. Thoracentesis showed an exudative pleural effusion with an increased lymphocyte count and elevated CA125 levels. A thoracoscopic biopsy specimen showed proliferation of CA125-positive mesothelial cells. Systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed. His symptoms and pleural effusion resolved after the initiation of systemic corticosteroid therapy. The detection of anti-RNP antibody and CA125 levels are helpful in the diagnosis of lupus pleuritis.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Other Pulmonary Disorders

