Severe spirometric defects in systemic lupus erythematosus. A possible role for bronchoalveolar lavage and gallium scanning.

Two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed progressive chronic pulmonary disease. Pulmonary bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and Gallium-67 scanning were performed and were consistent with alveolitis. In one patient, an open lung biopsy was performed and showed the presence of several immunoreactants as well as interstitial pneumonitis. Although mild pulmonary function abnormalities are common in SLE, some patients such as the two described in this report develop progressive and incapacitating pulmonary impairment. The need for developing standardized indices of pulmonary inflammation such as BAL and gallium scanning for the purposes of diagnosis, prognostication, and monitoring treatment responses in systemic lupus erythematosus is stressed.