Pulmonary manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects young women. The respiratory system is more commonly involved in SL E than in any other collagen vascular disease. SLE may affect virtually all components of the respiratory system, including the upper airway, lung par enchyma, pulmonary vasculature, pleura, and respiratory muscles. Respirator y system involvement ranges from symptomatic to fulminant and life threaten ing. This article reviews the pulmonary manifestations of SLE, including dr ug-induced SLE.