Síndrome del pulmón encogido asociado a lupus eritematoso sistémico / Shrinking lung syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Resumen Introducción : El síndrome de pulmón encogido (SPE) es una manifestación rara y poco conocida del lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). El objetivo es describir las características demográficas, manifestaciones clínicas, funcionales, imagenológicas y tratamiento recibido en una cohorte de pacientes diagnosticados con SPE. Métodos : Se examinaron las historias clínicas de una cohorte de pacientes con LES seguidos prospectivamente desde 2007 al 2023 por los Servicios de Reumatología y Neumotisiología. Resultados : De 107 pacientes diagnosticados con LES, se hallaron 11 pacientes con SPE (10.3%), 81.8% fueron mujeres y 18.2 % varones; edad (mediana): 30 años (RIQ 25-75% = 25.5-41.5). Presentaron disnea 72%, dolor pleu rítico 36%, y asintomáticos 27.3% al momento del diag nóstico. Funcionalmente presentaron FEV1 / FVC = 86% mediana, (RIQ = 82-90), FVC mediana 61% (RIQ= 38.5-71), DLCO mediana: 65% (RIQ = 48-69) y DLCO/VA mediana: 95% (RIQ = 89-106). Se observó en la tomografía de tórax de alta resolución (TACAR) atelectasias (54.5%), elevación del diafragma (27.3%), normalidad (27.3%) y derrame pleural (9%). Recibieron tratamiento con corticoides sistémicos (100%), asociados a otros inmunosupresores en 72.7%: metotrexato (36%), micofenolato (27.3%), hi droxicloroquina (27.3%) y azatioprina (18.2%). Conclusión : La prevalencia de SPE fue 10.3%, más alta que lo reportado en otras series de casos de LES. La dis nea fue el síntoma principal de consulta. Los pacientes presentaron funcionalmente sospecha de restricción moderada y leve caída de la DLCO. La atelectasia fue el signo más frecuente en la TACAR. El tratamiento in munosupresor fue indicado en todos los pacientes con corticoides sistémicos asociados usualmente a otros inmunosupresores.

Abstract Introduction : Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare and less-known manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study is to describe the demographic, clinical, functional, imaging charac teristics, and treatment received in a cohort of patients diagnosed with SLS. Methods : Clinical records were reviewed retrospec tively in a cohort of patient with SLE and SLS followed-up prospectively between 2007 to 2023 in the Rheuma tology and Neumonology Units. Results : Eleven SLS patients (10.3%) of 107 SLE pa tients were diagnosed. They were 81.8% female and 18.2% male. Median age was 30 years old (RIQ = 25-75% [25.5-41.5]). Clinical symptoms were dyspnea (72%), pleuritic pain (36%), but 27.3% of patients were asymp tomatic at diagnosis. Respiratory functional evaluation was, median FEV1 / FVC: 86% (RIQ = 82-90), median FVC: 61% (RIQ = 38.5-71), median DLCO: 65% (RIQ = 48-69) and median DLCO/VA: 95% (RIQ = 89-106). High-resolution computed tomography of thorax (HRCT) showed atel ectasis (54.5%), diafragmatic elevation (27.3%), normal (27.3%) and pleural effusion (9%). Patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids (100%); in 72.7% of them, associated to other immunosupressives: methotrex ate (36%), mycophenolate (27.3%), hydroxychloroquine (27.3%) and azatioprine (18.2%). Conclusion : SLS prevalence was 10.3%, higher than reported in other studies of SLE. Dyspnea was the most clinical symptom. Suspicion of moderate restriction were determined with mild deterioration of DLCO. At electasis was the most frequent HCRT sign. Immunosu pressive treatment was prescribed in all patients with systemic corticosteroids associated to other drugs.

[Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: A study of 9 patients]. / Síndrome del pulmón encogido asociado a lupus eritematoso sistémico: estudio de 9 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Our aim was to describe the clinical, radiological, and functional characteristics of a cohort with SLS and its evolution over time. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between 2009 and 2018. Demographic, clinical, functional, radiological, and treatment data were collected. RESULTS: Out of a total of 225 patients, 11 presented with SLS (prevalence of 4.8%). Two patients were excluded. The mean age was 39.33±16 years, and 6 were female. The main symptoms were dyspnea and pleuritic pain. The mean forced vital capacity was 49%, total lung capacity was 60%, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity was 66%, carbon monoxide transference factor was 128%, maximal inspiratory pressure was 66%, and maximal expiratory pressure was 82%. All patients received corticosteroids. After a median follow-up of 19 months, 4 cases showed improvement, and 4 cases remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: SLS should be considered in every lupus patient with unexplained dyspnea. Although it often shows improvement, many cases experience persistent deterioration despite treatment.

Síndrome del pulmón encogido y lupus eritematoso sistémico: una entidad clínico-patológica enigmática: [revisión] / Shrinking lung syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus: an enigmatic clinical pathologic entity: [review]

El síndrome de pulmón encogido (SPE) es una rara y enigmática entidad descrita en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes, particularmente con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Su etiología y patogenia permanecen desconocidas; el diagnóstico se basa en la sospecha clínica y se confirma con los estudios de imágenes y funcionales respiratorios. El tratamiento es actualmente empírico, y ante la falta de estudios terapéuticos los diferentes autores concuerdan que los esteroides son eficaces en una gran proporción de pacientes. A pesar de causar una significativa morbilidad, el pronóstico a largo plazo del SPE suele ser bueno. Nuestro objetivo es presentar un caso clínico característico de SPE en una paciente con LES y realizar una revisión narrativa con el objetivo de actualizar los diferentes aspectos de esta entidad nosológica.

The shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare and enigmatic disease. It was described in different autoimmune diseases, particularly in systemic lupus erythematosus patients (SLE). The causes of SLS remain obscure and the diagnosis is made on clinical findings, images and respiratory functional studies. No definitive therapy exists, and corticosteroids are effective in the majority SLS patients. The long-term prognosis is good, but SLS causes significant morbidity. Our propose is to describe a case of typical SLS in a SLE patient and to review the existing medical literature on the subject.