Lupus pneumonitis presenting with high titre of anti ‐Ro antibody

We report a 21‐year‐old female who was newly diagnosed as having SLE with nephritis and who suddenly developed right lung opacity and rapidly progressed to severe hypoxaemia despite the use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics. The serum titre of anti‐Ro antibody was greater than 240 U/mL. She underwent lung biopsy and lupus pneumonitis was confirmed by the pathological findings. Subsequently, she showed a favourable response to plasma exchange, steroid pulse therapy, and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment. For SLE patients with pulmonary infiltrates, high degree of clinical suspicion of lupus pneumonitis is required and measurement of serum anti‐Ro antibody may help to make the diagnosis. We report a 21‐year‐old lady with SLE who presented with rapidly progressive lung opacities and was diagnosed as having lupus pneumonitis by pathological examination and high serum anti‐Ro antibody. Afterwards, she showed a favourable response to plasma exchange, steroid pulse therapy and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment. For SLE patients with pulmonary infiltrates, high degree of clinical suspicion of lupus pneumonitis is required and measurement of serum anti‐Ro antibody may help to make the diagnosis.
Source: Respirology Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research