Laryngeal complications in a patient with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus

Laryngeal complications in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are rarely described. They range from hoarseness to life-threatening respiratory distress. To our knowledge, previous reports describe laryngeal involvement with SLE occurring only during periods of active disease. We saw a patient with inactive SLE in whom hoarseness and exertional dyspnea developed as a result of arytenoiditis and vocal cord paresis during steroid tapering. The condition responded dramatically to readjustment of her steroid dosage. Involvement of the larynx with SLE is a potentially life-threatening complication and may occur in patients with either active or inactive disease. It is an indication for close observation and steroid therapy in patients with SLE.