systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• thoracic involvement (30-70%)
  • lupus pneumonitis (acute): patchy, peripheral, basilar, alveolar
  • interstital reticulation in lower lung fields (chronic)
  • cavitary nodules (vasculitis)
  • pleural changes (most common manifestation): effusion, thickening
  • pericardial effusion (pericarditis) / cardiomegaly (cardiomyopathy)

• musculoskeletal
  • arthrits (95%): subluxation without erosions
  • AVN; intrinsically or secondary to steroids

• kidneys (100%)
  • focal membranous glomerulonephritis
  • aneurysms in interlobar and arcuate arteries (similar to polyarterits nodosa)
  • normal/decreased renal size
  • increased parenchymal echogenicity

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18