Diaphragm strength in acute systemic lupus erythematosus in a patient with paradoxical abdominal motion and reduced lung volumes

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-related Lung Disease

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multifaceted, multisystem autoimmune disorder with diverse clinical expressions. While prevalence reports vary widely, pulmonary involvement accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in SLE. This comprehensive review explores the spectrum of pulmonary disease in SLE, including upper airway manifestations (e.g., laryngeal affection), lower airway conditions (e.g., bronchitis, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis), parenchymal diseases (e.g., interstitial lung disease, acute lupus pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage), pleural diseases (e.g., serositis, shrinking lung syndrome), and vascular diseases (e.g., pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary embolism, acute reversible hypoxemia syndrome). We discuss diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies, and prognosis for each pulmonary manifestation. With diagnostics remaining a challenge and with the absence of standardized treatment guidelines, we emphasize the need for evidence-based guidelines to optimize patient care and improve outcomes in this complex disease.

Diagnosis and management of lung involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome: a literature review

Lung involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) has extensively been outlined with a multiplicity of different manifestations. In SLE, the most frequent finding is pleural effusion, while in pSS, airway disease and parenchymal disorders prevail. In both cases, there is an increased risk of pre-capillary and post-capillary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk of VTE is in part due to an increased thrombophilic status secondary to systemic inflammation or to the well-established association with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). The lung can also be the site of an organ-specific complication due to the aberrant pathologic immune-hyperactivation as occurs in the development of lymphoma or amyloidosis in pSS. Respiratory infections are a major issue to be addressed when approaching the differential diagnosis, and their exclusion is required to safely start an immunosuppressive therapy. Treatment strategy is mainly based on glucocorticoids (GCs) and immunosuppressants, with a variable response according to the primary pathologic process. Anticoagulation is recommended in case of VTE and multi-targeted treatment regimens including different drugs are the mainstay for PAH management. Antibiotics and respiratory physiotherapy can be considered relevant complement therapeutic measures. In this article, we reviewed lung manifestations in SLE and pSS with the aim to provide a comprehensive overview of their diagnosis and management to physicians taking care of patients with connective tissue diseases.

Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-centre experience

Introduction Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), characterized by decreased lung volumes and extra-pulmonary restriction. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of SLS in our lupus cohort with emphasis on prevalence, presentation, treatment and outcomes. Patients and methods Patients attending the Toronto Lupus Clinic since 1980 ( n = 1439) and who had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) performed during follow-up were enrolled ( n = 278). PFT records were reviewed to characterize the pattern of pulmonary disease. SLS definition was based on a restrictive ventilatory defect with normal or slightly reduced corrected diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in the presence of suggestive clinical (dyspnea, chest pain) and radiological (elevated diaphragm) manifestations. Data on clinical symptoms, functional abnormalities, imaging, treatment and outcomes were extracted in a dedicated data retrieval form. Results Twenty-two patients (20 females) were identified with SLS for a prevalence of 1.53%. Their mean age was 29.5 ± 13.3 years at SLE and 35.7 ± 14.6 years at SLS diagnosis. Main clinical manifestations included dyspnea (21/22, 95.5%) and pleuritic chest pain (20/22, 90.9%). PFTs were available in 20 patients; 16 (80%) had decreased maximal inspiratory (MIP) and/or expiratory pressure (MEP). Elevated hemidiaphragm was demonstrated in 12 patients (60%). Treatment with prednisone and/or immunosuppressives led to clinical improvement in 19/20 cases (95%), while spirometrical improvement was observed in 14/16 patients and was mostly partial. Conclusions SLS prevalence in SLE was 1.53%. Treatment with glucocorticosteroids and immunosuppressives was generally effective. However, a chronic restrictive ventilatory defect usually persisted.

Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case series and review of the literature

Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare and less known complication mainly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we analyze the clinical features, investigation findings, approaches to management, and outcome in a case series of 9 adult patients with SLE and SLS diagnosed during a 35-year period in 3 referral tertiary care hospitals in Spain. Additionally, we reviewed 80 additional cases previously reported (PubMed 1965-2015). These 80 cases, together with our 9 patients, form the basis of the present analysis.The overall SLS prevalence in our SLE population was 1.1% (9/829). SLS may complicate SLE at any time over its course, and it usually occurs in patients without previous or concomitant major organ involvement. More than half of the patients had inactive lupus according to SELENA-systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores. Typically, it presents with progressive exertional dyspnea of variable severity, accompanied by pleuritic chest pain in 76% of the cases.An important diagnostic delay is common. The diagnostic tools that showed better yield for SLS detection are the imaging techniques (chest x-ray and high-resolution computed tomography) along with pulmonary and diaphragmatic function tests. Evaluation of diaphragm dome motion by M-mode ultrasonography and phrenic nerve conduction studies are less useful.There are no standardized guidelines for the treatment of SLS in SLE. The majority of patients were treated with medium or high doses of glucocorticoids. Several immunosuppressive agents have been used in conjunction with steroids either if the patient fails to improve or since the beginning of the treatment. Theophylline and beta-agonists, alone or in combination with glucocorticoids, have been suggested with the intent to increase diaphragmatic strength.The overall long-term prognosis was good. The great majority of patients had significant clinical improvement and stabilization, or mild to moderate improvement on pulmonary function tests. The mortality rate was very low.

Shrinking lung syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A multicenter collaborative study of 15 new cases and a review of the 155 cases in the literature focusing on treatment response and long-term outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare respiratory manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), characterized by dyspnea, chest pain, elevated hemidiaphragm and a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests. Here, we report 15 new observations of SLS during SLE and provide a systematic literature review. We studied the clinical, biological, functional and morphologic characteristics, the treatments used and their efficacy.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were all patients with SLE defined by the American College of Rheumatology criteria Hochberg (1997) , associated with a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests. The exclusion criteria were all differential diagnoses of restrictive patterns, including obesity and pulmonary fibrosis. The patients were recruited from local databases through chest physicians, rheumatologists and internists. The data for the literature review were extracted from the Medline database using "shrinking lung syndrome" and "lupus" as key words.

RESULTS

All 15 new cases were women with a median age at SLS onset of 27years old (range 17-67years). All of them complained of dyspnea and all but one of chest pain. The antibodies were similar to those found in SLE, although the anti-SS-A was positive in 10 of 13 cases. Thoracic imaging showed elevated hemidiaphragm (12/15) and/or basal atelectasia (8/15). All of the patients had an isolated restrictive pattern on PFT, with a median decrease >50% of lung volume. All of the patients were treated, using corticosteroids (11/15), immunosuppressive drugs (8/15), beta-mimetics (2/15), physiotherapy (3/15) and/or colchicine (1/15). Improvement was described in 9 of 12 patients and stability in 3 of 12. We extracted 155 cases of SLE-associated SLS from the Medline database. The clinical, biological and functional parameters were similar to our cases. Clinical improvement was described in 48 of 52 cases (94%) and PFT improvement in 36 of 47 cases. Worsening occurred in 4 cases.

CONCLUSION

SLS is a rare SLE manifestation. Pain and parietal inflammation seem to play important pathogenic roles. Steroids and antalgics are the most commonly used therapies with good responses. There is no proof of efficacy with immunosuppressive drugs for this entity. Rituximab can be discussed after failure of corticosteroids, as well as antalgics, theophylline and beta-mimetics.

The shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: improvement with corticosteroid therapy

Respiratory manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are frequent. The ‘shrinking lung syndrome’ (SLS) represents a rare complication of SLE. The pathogenesis and therapy of the SLS remains controversial. We report a series of five consecutive cases with the SLS of which we provide a detailed description of the extent and dynamics of the response to corticosteroid therapy.

Acute Respiratory Events in Connective Tissue Disorders

Subacute-acute, hyperacute, or even catastrophic and fulminant respiratory events occur in almost all classic connective tissue disorders (CTDs); they may share systemic life-threatening manifestations, may precipitously lead to respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support as well as a combination of specific therapeutic measures, and in most affected patients constitute the devastating end-of-life event. In CTDs, acute respiratory events may be related to any respiratory compartment including the airways, lung parenchyma, alveolar capillaries, lung vessels, pleura, and ventilatory muscles. Acute respiratory events may also precipitate disease-specific extrapulmonary organ involvement such as aspiration pneumonia and lead to digestive tract involvement and heart-related respiratory events. Finally, antirheumatic drug-related acute respiratory toxicity as well as lung infections related to the rheumatic disease and/or to immunosuppression complete the spectrum of acute respiratory events. Overall, in CTDs the lungs significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality, since they constitute a common site of disease involvement; a major site of infections related to the 'mater' disease; a major site of drug-related toxicity, and a common site of treatment-related infectious complications. The extreme spectrum of the abovementioned events, as well as the 'vicious' coexistence of most of the aforementioned manifestations, requires skills, specific diagnostic and therapeutic means, and most of all a multidisciplinary approach of adequately prepared and expert scientists. Avoiding lung disease might represent a major concern for future advancements in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Imaging of pulmonary involvement in rheumatic disease

Lung disease commonly occurs in connective tissue diseases (CTD) and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Imaging is central to the evaluation of CTD-associated pulmonary complications. In this article, a general discussion of radiologic considerations is followed by a description of the pulmonary appearances in individual CTDs, and the imaging appearances of acute and nonacute pulmonary complications. The contribution of imaging to monitoring disease, evaluating treatment response, and prognostication is reviewed. Finally, we address the role of imaging in the challenging multidisciplinary evaluation of interstitial lung disease where there is an underlying suspicion of an undiagnosed CTD.

Rituximab in the treatment of shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus

Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. We report the case of a patient with non-responding SLS (neither to glucocorticoids nor immunosupresors), who showed remarkable improvement after the onset of treatment with rituximab. Although there is a little evidence, treatment with rituximab could be proposed in SLS when classical treatment fails.

Shrinking lung syndrome as a manifestation of pleuritis: a new model based on pulmonary physiological studies

OBJECTIVE

The pathophysiology of shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is poorly understood. We sought to define the structural basis for this condition through the study of pulmonary mechanics in affected patients.

METHODS

Since 2007, most patients evaluated for SLS at our institutions have undergone standardized respiratory testing including esophageal manometry. We analyzed these studies to define the physiological abnormalities driving respiratory restriction. Chest computed tomography data were post-processed to quantify lung volume and parenchymal density.

RESULTS

Six cases met criteria for SLS. All presented with dyspnea as well as pleurisy and/or transient pleural effusions. Chest imaging results were free of parenchymal disease and corrected diffusing capacities were normal. Total lung capacities were 39%-50% of predicted. Maximal inspiratory pressures were impaired at high lung volumes, but not low lung volumes, in 5 patients. Lung compliance was strikingly reduced in all patients, accompanied by increased parenchymal density.

CONCLUSION

Patients with SLS exhibited symptomatic and/or radiographic pleuritis associated with 2 characteristic physiological abnormalities: (1) impaired respiratory force at high but not low lung volumes; and (2) markedly decreased pulmonary compliance in the absence of identifiable interstitial lung disease. These findings suggest a model in which pleural inflammation chronically impairs deep inspiration, for example through neural reflexes, leading to parenchymal reorganization that impairs lung compliance, a known complication of persistently low lung volumes. Together these processes could account for the association of SLS with pleuritis as well as the gradual symptomatic and functional progression that is a hallmark of this syndrome.

Shrinking lung syndrome masked by pleuropericarditis: a case report and review of the literature

The purpose of this article is to present an unusual case of shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) masked by pleuropericarditis with a review of the literature. We report a case of SLS in a 44-year-old woman in which the diagnosis was initially confounded by concurrent pleuropericarditis. The English medical literature was comprehensively reviewed for SLS for its presentation, clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment, with specific focus on its pathogenesis. SLS is a rare respiratory complication associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The main manifestation of the disease is unexplained dyspnea, chest pain, and orthopnea. Lung volume reduction without parenchymal abnormalities along with restrictive ventilatory defect on pulmonary function test (PFT) is the hallmarks of this condition. Pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of SLS are not well described due to the small number of reported cases. The diagnosis of SLS in our patient was made based on imaging, PFT, and the exclusion of other respiratory diseases associated with SLE. Treatment with corticosteroid and intravenous cyclophosphamide was initiated due to simultaneously diagnosed renal involvement. Our case demonstrates the salient features of SLS. It emphasizes that although SLS is a rare disease limited to small subset of patients with SLE, it should be considered in patients with SLE with unexplained dyspnea. Moreover, symptoms of pleuropericarditis can mask and delay the diagnosis of SLS. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to a decrease in morbidity and stabilization of pulmonary function test abnormalities.

Evaluating systemic lupus erythematosus patients for lung involvement

Introduction: We set out to determine the frequency of respiratory symptoms, abnormal lung function, and shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine correlates of SLS. Methods: Consecutive adult patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE were enrolled. Demographics, clinical, and serologic characteristics were recorded; all patients underwent pulmonary function tests (PFT) and had either a chest X-ray or computed tomography scan. SLS was defined as dyspnea with restrictive lung physiology (defined as a forced vital capacity (FVC) <80% predicted in the absence of obstruction) who did not have any evidence of interstitial lung disease on chest imaging; controls were symptomatic patients with no restrictive physiology and the absence of interstitial changes on chest imaging. Results: Sixty-nine out of 110 (63%) patients had respiratory symptoms, 73 (66%) patients had abnormal lung function, and 11 (10%) patients met the definition for SLS. In a multivariate model controlling for disease duration, a history of pleuritis, modified American College of Rheumatology total score, seropositivity for dsDNA and RNP antibodies, increased disease duration (odds ratio (OR) = 1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.0–1.3, p = 0.04), seropositivity for anti-RNP (OR = 24.4; 95% CI of 1.6–384.0, p = 0.02), and a history of serositis were significantly associated with SLS when compared with symptomatic controls. Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms, abnormal lung function, and SLS are common in SLE. Clinicians should consider evaluation for SLS among symptomatic patients with long-standing disease and a history of pleuritis.

Shrinking lung syndrome: recognition, pathophysiology and therapeutic strategy

Shrinking lung syndrome is a rare complication of systemic autoimmune diseases, mainly systemic lupus erythematosus, but also Sjögren's syndrome and polymyositis. It should be suspected in any patient with autoimmune disease presenting with an unexplained dyspnea. Shrinking lung syndrome is characterized by small lung volumes, elevation of the diaphragm and restrictive physiology without parenchymal involvement. Its pathogenesis remains controversial: diaphragm dysfunction, phrenic neuropathy or pleural inflammation. Pleural adhesions and pain probably play a significant role in the pathogenesis. Electrical or magnetic phrenic stimulation is an important method of investigation but it is not widely available. No treatment has been validated. Steroids are proposed as first-line treatment, alone or associated with β2-adrenergic receptor agonists. In refractory cases, immunosuppressors are used. Biotherapies may be beneficial. Long-term prognosis is good, but respiratory failure can occur in some cases.

Effectiveness of a photogrammetric model for the analysis of thoracoabdominal respiratory mechanics in the assessment of isovolume maneuvers in children

OBJECTIVE

To test the applicability of a geometric model, adapted to the supine position, for the analysis of respiratory mechanics regarding changes in lateral thoracoabdominal areas in children with asthma.

METHODS

Nineteen children (mean age, 11.26 +/- 1.28 years) performed isovolume maneuvers (IVMs) after maximal inspiration, followed by glottal closure and alternation of airflow between the abdominal and thoracic compartments. The maneuvers were recorded in a digital video camera placed perpendicularly to the movement plane, and the images of interest were selected. The geometric model was traced on each image based on surface landmarks of anatomical references. The traced areas were calculated using a computer program, and the results were converted into metric units (cm(2)) using a surface landmark of a known area. Relative contributions (RCs) of the subcompartments in relation to their original compartments and to the chest wall (CW) were calculated.

RESULTS

The model was based on 55 thoracic IVM images and 55 abdominal IVM images. Areas and subareas were compared between the maneuvers. There were significant differences in all subcompartments (p < 0.001). All of the RCs were significantly different for the CW (p < 0.001) but not for the ratios between the subcompartments and their original compartments.

CONCLUSIONS

This geometric model, applied in children and adapted to the supine position, was effective in profiling changes in the thoracoabdominal silhouette during the IVMs, and the selected subdivisions were useful for the identification of areas contributing the most and the least to CW composition.

Pleural fibrosis mediates shrinking lungs syndrome in children

The etiology of restrictive lung physiology in SLS is not well-defined, and has been hypothesized to be due to defects in lung recoil, phrenic nerve function and diaphragmatic strength. We present a case of SLS in an adolescent in whom imaging and electrophysiology studies demonstrate pleural fibrosis as the fundamental defect accounting for the restrictive lung physiology.

Association of the shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus with pleurisy: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To report 2 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and typical shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) in which pleuritic chest pain was the predominant symptom. In addition, to record the prevalence of pleuritic chest pain in all reported cases of patients with SLS and diaphragmatic dysfunction.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of the English literature to record the association of pleurisy and SLS in all reported cases using the MEDLINE database from 1965 to present.

RESULTS

Of the 77 patients with SLS reported in the literature, 50 (65%) patients had pleuritic chest pain at the time of evaluation. Treatment with anti-inflammatory agents improved symptoms in the majority of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Pleuritic inflammation and pain may have an important role in the pathogenesis of SLS. A possible mechanism linking pleural inflammation and diaphragm dysfunction may be via a reflex inhibition of diaphragmatic activation.

Shrinking lungs syndrome, a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the respiratory system is frequently compromised. One of its uncommon manifestations is the shrinking lungs syndrome (SLS), characterised by dyspnoea, diaphragmatic elevation and a restrictive pattern in the spirometry. We report two cases affected with this rare entity. They presented with different degrees of respiratory involvement and responses to the therapy. At the same time, clinical, physiopathological, prognostic and therapeutic aspects of this syndrome are reviewed.

[Disseminated erythematous lupus with bilateral diaphragmatic involvement]

The diaphragm is an unusual localization for disseminated erythematous lupus and is generally not recognized. We present the case of a 34-year-old woman who developed bilateral pain in the base of the thorax 15 days before hospitalization without any bronchial signs and NYHA stage II dyspnea. The patient's general health status remained satisfactory and the physical examination was normal except for diffuse inflammatory joint pain and cutaneous photosensitivization. The chest x-ray disclosed ascension of both hemidiaphragms with retracted lungs associated with bilateral basal atalectasia. The diagnosis of lupus with diaphragmatic involvement was retained due to the clinical presentation with diffuse joint pain, photosensitization with facial erythema, pericardial effusion and elevated antinuclear antibody and lymphopenia (1 100/mm3). Lung function tests revealed a restrictive syndrome. Oral corticosteroids 1 mg/kg/d enabled clinical and functional improvement. In light of this observation we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of this uncommon localization of lupus and the difficulty of establishing a sure diagnosis.

The respiratory system in connective tissue disorders

The connective tissue disorders (also called collagen vascular diseases) represent an heterogeneous group of immunologically mediated inflammatory disorders with a large variety of affected organs besides the lungs. The respiratory system may be involved in all its components: airways, vessels, parenchyma, pleura, respiratory muscles, etc. The frequency, clinical presentation, prognosis and response to therapy vary, depending on the pattern of involvement as well as on the underlying connective tissue disorders. The subject of this review is to describe the most frequent type of lung disorders observed in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). We will focus on the most frequent CTD: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, dermatopolymyositis and mixed CTD.

Motor control of the costal and crural diaphragm – insights from transcranial magnetic stimulation in man

The costal and crural parts of the diaphragm differ in their embryological development and physiological function. It is not known if this is reflected in differences in their motor cortical representation. We compared the response of the costal and crural diaphragms using varying intensities of transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex at rest and during submaximal and maximal inspiratory efforts. The costal and crural motor evoked potential recruitment curves during submaximal inspiratory efforts were similar. The response to stimulation before, during and at 10 and 30 min after 44 consecutive maximal inspiratory efforts was also the same. Using paired stimulations to investigate intra-cortical facilitatory and inhibitory circuits we found no difference between the costal and crural response with varying interstimulus intervals, or when conditioning and test stimulus intensity were varied. We conclude that supraspinal control of the costal and crural diaphragm is identical during inspiratory tasks.

Respiratory arrest in systemic lupus erythematosus due to phrenic nerve neuropathy

Diaphragmatic weakness in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a controversial issue and is claimed to have a neuropathic, myopathic or unknown pathogenesis. In this patient a predominantly motor neuropathy with diaphragmatic paralysis due to axonal involvement of the phrenic nerve was discovered and successfully treated with immunosuppressive drugs.

DOD, Jezler S, Santiago M. Síndrome do pulmão encolhido no lúpus eritematoso sistêmico

O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico pode envolver o aparelho respiratório de diversas maneiras como com pleurite, pneumonite, doença intersticial ou hipertensão pulmonar. Raramente, o paciente com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico pode apresentar uma síndrome caracterizada por dispnéia, dor torácica, alteração nas provas funcionais pulmonares e ausência de alterações parenquimatosas significativas na avaliação tomográfica de tórax, a qual tem sido denominada síndrome do pulmão encolhido. Descrevemos um caso que preenche os critérios diagnósticos dessa síndrome, e enfatizamos a patogênese que tem sido proposta, assim como as opções terapêuticas disponíveis.

Pulmonary disease in systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholpid syndrome

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by disturbances in innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Multiple systems and organs may be involved. Tissue damage and dysfunction are mediated by autoantibodies and immune complex formation. The lungs are among the organ systems commonly involved. The pulmonary manifestations usually occur in patients with multisystem disease and include: pleural involvement, parenchymal disease, pulmonary vascular disease and diaphragmatic dysfunction. Manifestations may range from sub-clinical abnormalities to life threatening disorders. Many of the pulmonary manifestations characteristic of SLE are seen in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) as well, in both the primary and secondary syndrome. In this review the diverse pulmonary manifestations are described as well as the diagnostic modalities available, including the use of induced sputum evaluation for early diagnosis and follow up. New treatment modalities are referred to.

Le syndrome des poumons rétractés et les maladies auto-immunes

INTRODUCTION

Shrinking lung syndrome usually manifest in dyspnea, decreased lung volume associated with elevated diaphragm. It reports with systemic autoimmune disease and physiopathological mechanism is controversial.

EXEGESIS

We report three shrinking lung syndrome observations in which two cases were diagnosed at the time to onset of autoimmune disease. The three patients were treated with corticosteroid, two of them necessitated theophylline. Review of the literature highlight 60 cases and permit to discuss physiopathological mechanisms which remain uncertain. Diaphragmatic dysfunction (because of myositis or neuropathy) represented by abnormal transdiaphragmatic pressures is actually discussed.

CONCLUSION

Shrinking lung syndrome is rare but must be considered in patient with autoimmune disease and dyspnea. The diagnosis can be difficult because of clinical, pathological and functional features which are controversial. The optimum treatment is unknown.

Shrinking Lung Syndrome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjogren’s Syndrome

Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by unexplained dyspnea, a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests, and an elevated hemidiaphragm. A total of 59 cases are reported in literature including the current case. The mean age of these patients is 36.85 years (range, 15-61 years), and the female-to-male ratio is 6:1. This disorder is seen primarily during the later stages of SLE. The most common presenting features include dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. Myositis has been reported in only 8 of 59 patients (13%). Diagnosis is made with chest x-ray showing an elevated hemidiaphragm and a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function testing without any evidence of interstitial lung disease along with decreased transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi). Corticosteroids are the most common method of treatment. Immunosuppressive therapy, beta-agonists, and theophylline are used in those resistant to steroids. The prognosis is generally good. This article reports the case of a 22-year-old man presenting with a 7-month history of dry mouth and dry eyes accompanied by increasing difficulty in breathing, progressing to dyspnea at rest. The patient's history included bilateral parotid gland swelling and nephrotic syndrome diagnosed 4 years earlier. Pertinent physical and laboratory findings included positive Schirmer's test results; bilateral parotid gland enlargement; bibasilar lung crackles; synovitis of the second and third proximal interphalangeal joints; a positive antinuclear antibody (Ro/SSA), Sm, and anticardiolipin antibodies; and elevated right hemidiaphragm on chest x-ray. Pulmonary function tests demonstrated restrictive lung disease with normal high-resolution computerized axial tomography. A dramatic response to oral prednisone (60 mg daily) was observed in all of the patient's complaints in a matter of several days. A diagnosis of SLE with secondary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and SLS was made. Although SLS has been reported in association with SLE, there has been only one previous report of SLS in SLE/SS overlap syndrome. Early recognition with appropriate treatment can decrease the morbidity associated with this rare syndrome.

How to manage patients with cardiopulmonary disease?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disease characterized by the formation of autoantibodies and immune complexes. The heart and lungs are among the organ systems commonly affected in SLE. Pericarditis, premature coronary atherosclerosis, pleuritis and pulmonary infections are the most prevalent cardiopulmonary manifestations. Other rare associations include myocarditis, coronary arteritis, acute lupus pneumonitis/pulmonary haemorrhage, acute reversible hypoxaemia and 'shrinking lung' syndrome. Current imaging modalities may provide earlier detection of subclinical disease, which may aid in preventing these potentially fatal complications. The response to treatment varies, depending on the presentation of disease. In this chapter we address the frequency, diagnosis and monitoring, and treatment regimens of cardiac and pulmonary involvement in patients with SLE.