Pleuropulmonary Involvement in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as Detected by High-Resolution CT Scans: Clinical and Immunological Association.

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that leads to systemic inflammation and damage across various organs, including the respiratory system. The prevalence of pleuropulmonary manifestations in SLE patients, particularly in Saudi Arabia, remains underexplored.

Objective

This study aims to determine the frequency of pleuropulmonary involvement in SLE patients at King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFUH), Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and identify factors associated with the presence of such findings. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on adult SLE patients at KFUH, using hospital medical records for data collection on demographic characteristics, clinical features, and immunological markers. Pleuropulmonary involvement was defined based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings. Statistical analyses evaluated associations between pleuropulmonary findings and clinical or immunological parameters.

Results

Out of 207 SLE patients (mean age 39.9 years, 92.8% female), 17.4% showed pleuropulmonary involvement on HRCT, with pleurisy being the most prevalent manifestation, followed by pulmonary nodules. Significant associations were found between pleuropulmonary involvement and positive rheumatoid factor (p = 0.002), cardiac involvement (p = 0.002), and higher SLICC/ACR damage index scores (p = 0.001). Patients with positive rheumatoid factor and elevated SLICC/ACR damage index had increased odds of developing pleuropulmonary complications (3.73- and 7.28-fold, respectively).

Conclusions

Pleuropulmonary involvement in SLE patients is associated with clinical and immunological markers, including rheumatoid factor, cardiac involvement, and higher SLICC/ACR damage index scores. Recognizing these associations may improve the early detection and targeted management of high-risk patients.