Article Text
Abstract
Background Diverse pleuropulmonary manifestations are common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Bronchilolitis obliterans organising pneumonia (BOOP) is a pathologic entity characterised by the formation of fibrous tissue plugs within terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts. Although BOOP has been associated with several connective tissue disorders, there are rare reports of BOOP in patients of SLE as the initial manifestation.
Objectives We describe three SLE patients with open lung biopsy-proved BOOP as the initial manifestation. All three cases presented with fever, cough and dyspnea. Chest radiographs and CT scan of lung revealed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. BOOP was confirmed by open lung-biopsy. Pulmonary vasculitis was also demonstrated in lung histopathology in one case.
Results The pulmonary lesions and respiratory illnesses responsed well to pulse intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide therapy.