Related Experiment Videos
Reversible parkinsonism in systemic lupus erythematosus
E K Tan1, L L Chan, A P Auchus
1Department of Neurology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore. gnrtek@sgh.com.sg
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|November 24, 2001
Summary
Parkinsonism is a rare manifestation of central nervous system (CNS) lupus. This case highlights reversible parkinsonian syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) linked to subcortical lesions, improving with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect the central nervous system (CNS), but parkinsonism is an exceptionally rare manifestation.
- Cerebral lupus typically presents with diverse neurological symptoms, making parkinsonian syndromes unusual.
Observation:
- A patient with SLE developed parkinsonian symptoms including bradyphrenia, bradykinesia, hypophonia, rigidity, and gait disturbance.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed enhancing subcortical lesions correlating with the neurological deficits.
Findings:
- The patient's parkinsonian symptoms showed significant improvement following treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide.
- Follow-up MRI scans demonstrated complete resolution of the abnormal subcortical white matter enhancement, mirroring clinical recovery.
Implications:
- This case presents unique clinico-radiologic findings of reversible parkinsonism in SLE.
- Disruption of subcortical frontal pathways is suggested as a potential mechanism underlying parkinsonism in cerebral lupus.