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The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
[Acute transverse myelitis in systemic lupus erythematosus]
F J Romero Ganuza1, F Sebastián de la Cruz, F La Banda Brusi
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo.
Abstract:
Acute transverse myelitis as complication of systemic lupus erythematosus is a known and well-characterized although uncommon clinical entity. We report here four cases of lupic myelitis collected at our hospital in the last few years and review the available literature of the last ten years, approximately the time when NMR became generally available. The clinical picture can be very variable and therefore, when facing a picture of acute myelitis, lupus should be included in the differential diagnosis; biochemistry evaluating the lupus "activity" is of poor diagnostic value, nuclear magnetic resonance is not conclusive for the etiologic diagnosis of myelitis and its prognosis has improved with therapy including pulses of steroid and immunosuppressant agents.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus can cause acute transverse myelitis, a rare neurological complication. Early inclusion of lupus in differential diagnosis and prompt treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants improve outcomes for this myelitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute transverse myelitis is an uncommon neurological complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to variable clinical presentations.
- Recent advancements in neuroimaging have aided in understanding myelitis.
Observation:
- This study reports four cases of lupic myelitis diagnosed at a single institution.
- A review of literature from the past decade, coinciding with widespread NMR availability, was conducted.
- Clinical presentations of lupic myelitis were highly variable.
Findings:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute myelitis.
- Biochemical markers of lupus activity have limited diagnostic value for myelitis.
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is not conclusive for determining the etiology of myelitis.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and inclusion of lupus in the differential are crucial for acute myelitis.
- Therapeutic strategies involving pulsed steroids and immunosuppressants have improved prognosis.
- Further research is needed to refine diagnostic and prognostic tools for lupic myelitis.
