Intra-Alveolar Hemorrhage Revealing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antinuclear antibodies. It can be accompanied by pleuropulmonary manifestations , notably intra-alveolar hemorrhage, which is life-threatening. We report the observation of a young patient, 24 years old , with no previous history, active smoker at 5P/A who presents with acute respiratory distress associated with hemoptysis with bilateral ground glass opacities. The clinical examination is unremarkable. The assessment inflammatory laboratory is positive, the blood count shows anemia and thrombocytopenia. .An infectious origin is ruled out by bascilloscopies and in particular PCR. The immunological assessment came back positive in favor of SLE. The diagnosis of IAH was retained. Treatment was initiated with boluses of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Conclusion IAH is a serious and fatal complication rarely complicating SLE. It constitutes a therapeutic emergency leading to acute respiratory failure and death.