Discrete lung involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: CT assessment.
OBJECTIVE
To study the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of early lung involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
In a prospective study, 48 patients with serologically confirmed SLE but no prior clinical evidence of lung involvement underwent chest radiography, CT, and lung function tests. Radiographs and CT scans were compared, and CT scans were evaluated for signs suggestive of parenchymal and pleural disease. Extent and distribution of disease were determined. CT findings were correlated with clinical and functional data.


RESULTS
Of 45 patients with normal chest radiographs, 17 (38%) had abnormal CT findings. Extent of disease was statistically significantly correlated with duration of clinical history (r = .93) and decreased single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (r = .8) and ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (r = .77).


CONCLUSIONS
CT is superior to chest radiography for detection of functionally relevant pulmonary disease and is an important adjunct in early assessment of SLE.
Bankier
A A
AA
Department of Radiology, University of Vienna, Austria.
Kiener
H P
HP
Wiesmayr
M N
MN
Fleischmann
D
D
Kontrus
M
M
Herold
C J
CJ
Graninger
W
W
Hübsch
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013147:Spirometry; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014797:Vital Capacity
D002248:Carbon Monoxide