Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Serial Case Report

Abstract

One of the causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is connective tissue disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The prevalence of PAH in patients with SLE according to cohort studies varies widely between 0.5% and 43%. In some cases, PAH is the initial manifestation leading to the diagnosis of SLE. However, PAH can develop as a complication in patients who are initially diagnosed with SLE. We report two cases with a different approach to the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in SLE patients. These cases emphasize the importance of investigating examination results according to the guidelines to establish the diagnosis of PAH in SLE.