Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may involve the respiratory tract in several ways, such as through pleuritis, pneumonitis, interstitial disease or pulmonary hypertension. In rare cases, SLE patients present a syndrome characterized by dyspnea, chest pain and abnormalities in pulmonary function testing, although there may be no evidence of major parenchymal lung disease on computerized tomography scans. This condition has come to be known as shrinking lung syndrome. We report a case that meets these diagnostic criteria, emphasizing the pathogenesis proposed, as well as the therapeutic options available.

Keywords: Lupus Erythematosus/Systemic, Respiratory System, Shrinking Lung Syndrome