Eye Changes, Neurological Changes & Pulmonary Changes
The eyes are other organs that are often affected by lupus. The most common manifestation is sicca kerato-conjunctivitis, also known as dry eye syndrome, very common in Sjogren’s disease, but which can also manifest as a sign in lupus disease. Other signs of vision-related lupus are retinal vasculitis, episcleritis (inflammation of the white part of the eyes i.e. sclera), and anterior uveitis (referred to as the inflammation of the iris i.e. the colored portion of the eyes).
Lupus can have psychiatric and neurological manifestations. Neurological injuries occur due to vasculitis and thrombosis, which usually end up causing a stroke. Psychiatric changes can also occur due to lupus. The most common are psychosis, where the patient begins to hallucinates and have bizarre thoughts. They can also have dementia (associated with progressive loss of memory) and lose the ability to carry out simple everyday tasks.
Another organ that is susceptible to infection by Lupus is the lungs and its associated pleura. Pneumonitis [12], pleural effusion, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, and alveolar hemorrhage are some of the most common manifestations of lupus disease in the respiratory system.