Acute lupus pneumonitis

Acute lupus pneumonitis is one of the presentations of thoracic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Clinical presentation

Acute lupus pneumonitis presents with acute onset of fever, cough, tachypnea, and hypoxia.

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph 

Appearances are non-specific. Usual radiological signs include acute consolidation in one or more areas (usually basal and bilateral ). Pleural effusions are frequently present.

CT

Features of pulmonary arterial hypertension may be present on cross-sectional imaging.

See also