Fever and pneumonia in a steroid treated patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is reported to affect the lungs in almost half of patients, but pleuritis is mast commonly encountered. Acute pneumonitis is an uncommon but recognized manifestation of SLE. Infection and drug rea ctions are more frequently diagnosed. The case discussed below permits cons ideration of the dilemmas typical of the SLE patient who presents with an a cute pulmonary process.