Sysyemic Lupus Erythematosus with Multiple Organ Damage

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous rheumatic disease with various clinical manifestations and a multifactorial pathogenesis. Although the etiology of SLE is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified as promoters of an imbalance in the immune system with antibody formation and tissue damage secondary to the deposition of immune complexes. Women of childbearing age are predominantly affected, regardless of ethnicity.

SLE affects the kidneys in about 50% of patients, lupus nephritis (LN) being a major risk factor for overall morbidity and mortality. The lungs are commonly involved later in the course of the disease, pulmonary involvement in SLE being extremely varied. It includes along with pleuritis which is the most common manifestation, acute lupus pneumonitis, pulmonary vasculitis, pulmonary embolism, diffuse alveolar haemorrhage; opportunistic pulmonary infections or drug toxicity could be other pulmonary manifestations.

We present the case of a young woman with SLE complicated with lupus nephritis class V and pulmonary infarction due to thromobosis of a pulmonary artery. It is a case of SLE with multiple organ damage and life-threatening complications that require interdisciplinary management and appropriate treatment.