Infections Lead Thoracic CT Findings in SLE - Summary - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Infections Lead Thoracic CT Findings in SLE

Researchers characterize spectrum of pulmonary and extrathoracic involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus.

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • May 7, 2026

  • 3 min

Share

Objective:

To identify the spectrum and frequency of thoracic manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using chest computed tomography (CT), highlighting its importance in management.

Key Findings:
  • Infection was the most common thoracic finding, identified in 53% of patients.
  • Bacterial infections accounted for 45% of cases, with less common infections including polymicrobial (3%), fungal (3%), and tuberculosis (2%).
  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension was observed in 50% of patients.
  • Other findings included pulmonary edema (18%), interstitial lung disease (10%), serositis (10%), pulmonary thromboembolism (5%), lupus pneumonitis (3%), and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (3%).
  • Extrathoracic findings included splenomegaly (52%), vascular calcifications (23%), and patulous esophagus (22%).
Interpretation:

CT imaging is crucial for detecting thoracic abnormalities in SLE patients, aiding in the differentiation of disease-related manifestations from secondary complications, despite challenges in distinguishing between similar conditions.

Limitations:
  • Relatively small sample size may affect generalizability, and no cases of neoplastic involvement were identified.
Conclusion:

CT proved invaluable in identifying subtle thoracic abnormalities in SLE, highlighting the need for a pattern-based approach to differentiate between various conditions and its clinical implications.

Original Source(s)

Infections Lead Thoracic CT Findings in SLE

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • May 7, 2026

Related Content

Dr. Jordan Strom on ASE 2026 Scientific Sessions: AI, Access, and the Future of Echocardiography

As ASE convenes its 37th Scientific Sessions near Denver, the meeting will spotlight echocardiographic AI and big data, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, evolving guidelines, the Feigenbaum Lecture, and the future of the sonographer workforce.

Does Mitral Regurgitation Mechanism Matter After M-TEER?

Left ventricular diameter changes were similar across subtypes at 1 month, while pulmonary artery systolic pressure responses differed by mechanism.

Consensus Panel Calls for Enhanced Radiation Shielding

A consensus statement called for immediate adoption of enhanced radiation protection devices, although evidence of long-term health benefits and effectiveness across procedural settings remains limited.