Systemic lupus erythematosus with multiple lung cysts

Abstract

We report a rare case of recurrent pneumothorax complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with multiple lung cysts. The patient was a 53-year-old woman without a history of smoking. At the age of 29, she was diagnosed with SLE. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed multiple, bilateral lung cysts. She had recurrent episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax on the same side within a period of two months. Although pulmonary involvement is common in SLE patients, cystic lung disease associated with SLE is extremely rare. © 2009 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.