Communicating hydrocephalus in systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

We report a case of communicating hydrocephalus in a 24-year-old woman with previously undiagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting with malignant hypertension, nephritis, serositis, and a seizure disorder of 16 months' duration. The patient demonstrated features of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). In proposing cerebral venous thrombosis as a possible, yet unproven, pathophysiologic mechanism for the hydrocephalus in this case we have reviewed and summarized literature relating to SLE, APS, hydrocephalus and pseudotumor cerebri. In cases of unexplained pseudotumor cerebri or hydrocephalus, a search for SLE and APS should be considered.