TITLE:
Shrinking Lung Detected on Computed Tomography: Pictorial Essay of the Main Findings of the Image
AUTHORS:
Francisco Barbosa de Araújo Neto, Tiago Castello Branco Lyra, Rita Karine Veras Gomes de Mello, Vinícius Martins Valois, Tiago Bezerra Albano, Antônio Fernando Lins de Paiva, Rodrigo Caruso Chate, Cesar Higar Nomura
KEYWORDS:
Chest Tomography, Pulmonary Diseases, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Shrinking Lung
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Medical Imaging,
Vol.8 No.2,
June
15,
2018
ABSTRACT: Shrinking lung refers to a rare complication of
systemic lupus erythematosus and is characterized by unexplained dyspnea, a
restrictive pattern in lung function tests, and elevation of the diaphragmatic
hemicuples. It is postulated to have a predilection for female involvement and
occurs mainly during late stages of the disease. Chest X-rays usually show
small, diaphragmatic lungs. Occasional basal atelectasis may be present. Chest
tomography usually shows reduced lung volumes with diaphragmatic elevation,
occasional basal atelectasis, without severe pulmonary or pleuropulmonary
disease. Shrinking lung can cause significant morbidity and occasional
mortality. There is no definitive therapy, while corticosteroids may decrease
symptoms and improve lung function in some patients. The objective of this
study was to describe the main imaging findings in Shrinking Lung, an important
pulmonary alteration in lupus patients. We highlight the characteristics
observed on radiography and computed tomography, with an emphasis on computed
tomography. It is important that every radiologist is prepared to recognize
these findings and understand the possible clinical repercussions.