Laryngeal Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem autoimmune disorder. Joint and skin involvements are the most frequent presenting features. Laryngeal involvement, however, is extremely rare. Symptoms of laryngeal involvement may range from mild hoarseness to life-threatening respiratory distress. In this article, 2 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and laryngeal involvement are presented. The first patient had hoarseness and noisy respiration, and the second had cough and respiratory distress. Otorhinolaryngological examination revealed laryngeal inflammation in both. Our cases responded well to systemic corticosteroids. Patients with symptoms such as hoarseness, foreign body sensation in throat, and respiratory distress should be evaluated by an otorhinolaryngologist to rule out involvement of the laryngeal structures.