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Vasculitic polyradiculopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus
T L Stefurak1, G Midroni, J M Bilbao
1University of Toronto, Canada.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|April 21, 1999
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus can cause a rare nerve disorder leading to leg weakness. Vasculitis affecting the cauda equina caused a progressive axonal polyradiculopathy in a young woman.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Neurological manifestations in SLE are diverse, affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old woman with newly diagnosed SLE presented with progressive leg weakness and loss of reflexes.
- Electrophysiology revealed a pure axonal polyradiculopathy, indicating peripheral nerve damage.
Findings:
- Sural nerve biopsy confirmed necrotising vasculitis, a key finding in the nerve inflammation.
- Radiological imaging showed significant gadolinium enhancement of the cauda equina, highlighting inflammation in the lower spinal cord nerve roots.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but severe neurological complication of SLE.
- Early recognition and management of vasculitic neuropathy in SLE are crucial for patient outcomes.