The acute reversible hypoxemia syndrome is a rare pulmonary syndrome seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Patient selection: SLE
Clinical features:
(1) It tends to occur in hospitalized patients with SLE who are acutely ill.
(2) The patient develops a hypoxemia and/or hypocapnia.
(3) The hypoxemia is not related to diffuse parenchymal disease.
(4) There is exclusion of other explanations.
The condition is associated with diffusion abnormalities due to an occlusive vasculopathy. The condition is believed to be caused by neutrophil sludging in association with complement activation and activated endothelium.
The patient responds to high-dose corticosteroids.
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