Hemopneumothorax in systemic lupus erythematosus

Neither hemothorax nor pneumothorax are well recognized manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Two patients with SLE who developed hemopneumothorax during the course of their illness are described. The clinical, laboratory, roentgenographic, and pathological findings are presented. Both patients were treated with chest tube suction, but 1 required surgical decortication of fibrinous pleural adhesions.