Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease with unknown pathophysiological mechanisms, is characterized by systemic involvement. In particular, patients with SLE show an accelerated atherosclerosis, resulting in an up to10-fold increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [1]. In addition, pleuro-pulmonary diseases, pneumonia and pulmonary arterial hypertension are common in SLE patients [1,2]
