DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2021.v09i02.018

Pages: 185-187

Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a pulmonary complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and progressive decrease in lung volumes with no evidence of pleural or interstitial disease on chest CT. We present the case of a 38-year-old female with one-year history of SLE with symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pains. A chest CT scan suggested the diagnosis of SLS which was later confirmed. Even though it’s a rare condition, clinicians should have a high suspicion of SLS in patients with a long-term history of SLE and worsening dyspnea. Early treatment can be initiated to help reduce long-term morbidity and mortality and maintain the quality of life.