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

Yong H. Hahn, MD - 2 February 1995
Last updated: 1 October 2013