Laryngeal complications in a patient with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus.
Laryngeal complications in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are rarely described. They range from hoarseness to life-threatening respiratory distress. To our knowledge, previous reports describe laryngeal involvement with SLE occurring only during periods of active disease. We saw a patient with inactive SLE in whom hoarseness and exertional dyspnea developed as a result of arytenoiditis and vocal cord paresis during steroid tapering. The condition responded dramatically to readjustment of her steroid dosage. Involvement of the larynx with SLE is a potentially life-threatening complication and may occur in patients with either active or inactive disease. It is an indication for close observation and steroid therapy in patients with SLE.
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011241:Prednisone