Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic inflammatory disease, characterized by an antibody response to nucleic antigens and involvement of any organ system. Pulmonary manifestations are frequent and include pleuritis, acute lupus pneumonitis, chronic interstitial lung disease, alveolar hemorrhage, shrinking lung syndrome, airway disease, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and thromboembolic disease. The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder where different prothrombotic factors interact to induce arterial and venous thrombosis. The most common pulmonary manifestations are pulmonary thromboembolism and PH. This review will focus on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of the SLE- and APLAS-associated pulmonary conditions.