title: The 'shrinking lungs syndrome'--an infrequently recognised feature of systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Two cases of the 'Shrinking Lungs Syndrome' in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are described to highlight an infrequently recognised feature of this condition. Respiratory muscle weakness, improved by steroid therapy, was demonstrated in each patient and considered to be the mechanism underlying the respiratory symptoms.
authors.affiliation: St Vincent's Hospital, Vic., Australia.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Burdon
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Clemens
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Webb
mesh_terms: D001944:Breath Tests; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011859:Radiography; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D011239:Prednisolone