Unusual clinical manifestation of acute pulmonary edema associated to acute lupic myocarditis - case report

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common systemic autoimmune disease. Although kidneys are the main organs affected, heart may suffer injury too. However, acute pulmonary edema associated to lupic myocarditis is rare and its specific immunosuppressive treatment is still undefined. The present case report reviews literature about lupic manifestations in heart and lungs, their diagnosis and treatment, and describes an young lupic patient that had pulmonary edema due to acute lupic myopericarditis. Prompt diagnosis enabled correct immunosuppressive therapy that resulted in a complete reversion of myocardial disfunction. Lupus is a possible diagnosis in young patients with pulmonary edema. The use of intravenous pulse therapy with corticosteroids was safe and efficient to healing of this severe myocardial manifestation.