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June 2004
By Theodore E. Keats, MD
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A 51-year-old woman with a long history of lupus erythematosus
complains of shortness of breath. What is your impression
of the frontal film of her chest?
CLICK HERE FOR ANSWER
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ANSWER
The correct diagnosis is collagen lung. At first glance
the parenchymal densities at the bases suggest acute
pneumonia, but the appearance on closer inspection is
more that of chronic interstitial disease, particularly
on the right. These changes in lupus are secondary to
fibrosing alveolitis and are similar to those seen in
other collagen vascular diseases.
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This series of diagnostic quizzes that
challenge your ability to read a variety of x-ray films is
edited by Dr. Keats, alumni professor of radiology at the
University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville.
Emerg Med 36(6):47, 2004
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