Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

• Serositis
• Oral ulcers
• ANA +
• Hematologic (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia)
• Photosensitivity
• Arthtitis
• Rash (malar or discoid lupus)
• Nephropathy
• Neurologic d/o (seizures or psychosis)
• Serositis (pleuritis or pericarditis)
• Immunologic markers (anti dsDNA, antiSm etc.)

Acute pulmonary and cardiac complications of SLE:

a. Pulmonary:

· pneumonia

· pleurisy

· pleural effusions

· pneumonitis

· interstitial lung disease

· pulmonary hypertension

· alveolar hemorrhage

· pulmonary embolism

b. Cardiac:

· Early coronary artery disease

· valvular disease (Libmann-Sacks’ endocarditis)

· pericarditis/pericardial effusion

· myocarditis

· conduction abnl (usually in association w/ myocarditis, also congenital HB can occur, mostly in pts with + Ro(ssA) or La(ssB) antibodies)

(Victoria Kelly MD, 10/12/10, 12/17/10)