Which of the following are true regarding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
a) Pleural effusions are common
b) There is an increased incidence of venous thrombosis
c) There is an increased incidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction
d) Respiratory failure from interstitial fibrosis is the most common cause of death
e) Bilateral air-space shadowing is most commonly due to pulmonary haemorrhage
The correct answers regarding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are:
a) Pleural effusions are common
b) There is an increased incidence of venous thrombosis
Pleural effusions are a common manifestation in SLE, occurring in up to one-third of patients. The underlying inflammatory process can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.
SLE is associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis, which can manifest as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. This is thought to result from a combination of inflammation, immune dysregulation, and hypercoagulability in patients with SLE.
Diaphragmatic dysfunction is not a commonly recognized feature of SLE, although respiratory muscle weakness can occur in some cases.
Respiratory failure from interstitial fibrosis is not the most common cause of death in SLE. Instead, significant organ involvement, such as renal disease or central nervous system complications, tends to contribute more prominently to mortality in SLE.
While pulmonary hemorrhage can occur in SLE, bilateral air-space shadowing is not most commonly due to this phenomenon. Other factors such as infection, pulmonary edema, or organizing pneumonia are more frequent causes of this radiological finding in SLE patients.