What question did this study set out to answer?

May 20, 2026

B35-36 A Case of Shrinking Lung Syndrome Secondary to Systematic Lupus Erythematosus

Key Points

This case aims to illustrate a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus known as shrinking lung syndrome.
Presented a case of a 44-year-old female with SLE diagnosed after positive lab results.
Documented her progression from lupus nephritis to shrinking lung syndrome with pulmonary function tests and imaging.
Treated with immunosuppressive therapy including rituximab and mycophenolate, alongside pulmonary rehabilitation.
Initial FVC was 31% predicted; after treatment, FVC improved to 73% predicted.
Symptom relief and recovery in pulmonary function over the course of one year were noted.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Shrinking Lung Syndrome (SLS) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by the development of dyspnea and in some cases, pleuritic chest pain. Workup often shows elevated diaphragm without parenchymal lung abnormalities, reduced lung volumes, and restrictive patterns on pulmonary function tests (PFTs). It has also been reported in other autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and Sjogren syndrome. Although various postulations have been made about the pathophysiology of SLS, its exact mechanism is still unknown. The prevalence is estimated to be around 1% and can occur at any point in the disease (Colquhoun 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568683/ This abstract is funded by: None

KI fragen

Bookmark

Cite This Study

Phayal et al. (Fri,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a0d4ee2f03e14405aa9a1fb https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.763

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

KI fragen

Bookmark