Persistent pulmonary hemorrhage as the sole initial clinical manifestation of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1997 Nov-Dec;15(6):697-700.

Abstract

Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a rare but potentially life-threatening manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this report we describe a 13 year old girl with PH as the sole presenting clinical manifestation of her SLE. Her serology was diagnostic of SLE and one year after presentation she developed arthritis. She had a rapid serologic but delayed clinical response to combination therapy of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone, pulse cyclophosphamide and daily prednisone. Awareness of the possibility of pulmonary hemorrhage as a presentation of SLE may aid in the diagnosis and early, aggressive management of this condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Hemoptysis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hemoptysis / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiography