Severe pulmonary vascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

A young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had clinical evidence of acute cor pulmonale. Autopsy disclosed vascular lesions in the lungs resembling those seen in advanced pulmonary hypertension. This case illustrates that severe pulmonary vascular disease may complicate SLE and mimic pulmonary thromboembolic disease.