[Functional abnormality of the diaphragm in the 'shrinking lung' in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Functional respiratory disorders in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been previously reviewed. We report a patient with SLE who developed progressive dyspnea with a restrictive pattern in the functional respiratory tests, and diaphragmatic disfunction. Symptoms and functional tests improved after a treatment with steroids. We also review the pathophysiologic mechanisms of this disorder.