BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production leading to inflammation in multiple organs; it commonly affects young women in their child-bearing years. Clinical manifestations are diverse and range from mild arthritis to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). DAH is a rare and devastating complication of SLE that carries a mortality rate of up to 50%, despite aggressive therapy.

CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old primigravida at 16 weeks gestation presents with a productive cough, rash, sore throat, and high-grade fever. Chest x-ray suggested multifocal pneumonia. Patient deteriorated despite antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids. She developed worsening anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Autoimmune workup was positive for Coombs, antinuclear antibody, anti-smith antibody, and hypocomplementemia. Skin biopsy was consistent with SLE. SLE vasculitis was suspected. She required mechanical intubation for rapid respiratory deterioration, with CT thorax suggesting ARDS. Bronchoscopy was done and confirmed DAH. Her course was further complicated with retinopathy and acute pancreatitis associated with SLE. She was treated with IV steroids, IV cyclophosphamide, and plasmapheresis, with significant clinical improvement and successful extubation. She delivered a healthy baby at 32 weeks gestation.

CONCLUSIONS: Early recognition and initiation of treatment is critical to survival in DAH and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Treatment includes high-dose steroids, cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange. Pregnancy increases the risk of adverse outcome in SLE. Seven cases of DAH in pregnant patients with SLE have been reported. Here, we report a catastrophic presentation of DAH, acute pancreatitis, and retinopathy in a pregnant patient with newly diagnosed SLE.

Keywords: Hemorrhage, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic, Pregnancy, Lung Diseases, Multiple Organ Failure, Pregnancy Complications, Pulmonary Alveoli, Vasculitis, young adult