IMMUNOHISTOLOGIC FINDINGS IN LUNG IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 101  (7) , 342-344
Abstract
A 29 yr old woman with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) developed dyspnea, hemoptysis, pleuropericarditis and azotemia shortly after an episode of arthritis and progressive hair loss. The patient had a high titer of radioimmune anti-DNA antibodies, positive fluorescent anti-smooth muscle antibodies and depressed C3 [complement component 3] levels in her serum. Antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies were negative, and the titer of antibodies against extractable nuclear antigen was within normal limits. Cryoglobulins and lupus erythematosus cell preparations were negative. Despite steroid therapy and other supportive measures, including dialysis, she died 10 days after admission. Percutaneous renal and pulmonary biopsies were performed postmortem and were processed for immunohistology. Identical granular deposits of C3 and Ig[immunoglobulin]G were found in the lungs and the kidneys. A common pathogenetic mechanism is apparently operating in the development of pneumonitis and nephritis in SLE; this is in agreement with the currently held views on immune-complex diseases.

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