J Rheum Dis.  2014 Aug;21(4):201-204. 10.4078/jrd.2014.21.4.201.

A Case of Rituximab Therapy in Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Refractory to Steroid Pulse Therapy

• Yim SW
• Byon CK
• Park JY
• Lee SY
• Lee SW
• Chung WT

• KMID: 2222962
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jrd.2014.21.4.201

Abstract

Rituximab is a chimeric murine-human monoclonal antibody that is directed against the specific B-cell CD20 antigen, which has recently been successfully used in active or refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) manifestations, such as nephritis, thrombocytopenia, and vasculitis. We report a case of a 25-year-old woman diagnosed with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage of SLE refractory to steroid pulse therapy. The patient was treated successfully with rituximab as a part of the immunosuppressive regimen.

Keyword

Rituximab; Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage; Systemic lupus erythematosus

MeSH Terms

Adult
Antigens, CD20
B-Lymphocytes
Female
Hemorrhage*
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*
Nephritis
Thrombocytopenia
Vasculitis
Rituximab
Antigens, CD20

Figure

• 

  Figure 1. The initial radiologic findings. (A) Chest radiograph showed bilateral diffuse ground glass opacity. (B) High resolution computed tomography scan of the thorax showed bilateral diffuse ground glass opacity, interlobular septal thickening and multifocal consolidation in both basal lung.

• 

  Figure 2. 6 weeks after treatment. (A) Chest radiograph showed resolution state of the previous bilateral diffuse ground glass opacity. (B) High resolution computed tomography scan of the thorax showed resolution state of the previous bilateral ground glass opacity, interlobular septal thickening and multifocal consolidation.

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