[Systemic lupus erythematosus associated with benign intracranial hypertension: a case report]

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is reported. A 41-year-old male with a history of SLE starting in 1982 was admitted to our hospital in December 1989 because of headache and vertigo. Laboratory examinations on admission showed proteinuria, mild anemia, and positive antinuclear and anti-Sm antibodies. No abnormal findings except high pressure of 350 mmH2O were observed in his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Fundoscopic examinations showed marked bilateral papilledema and retinal bleeding. Brain CT, MRI and angiography revealed diffuse brain edema without space occupying lesion and cerebrovascular diseases. Because there were no diseases such as endocrinological disorders, severe anemia, and no history of the administration of drugs which might cause intracranial hypertension, the diagnosis of BIH was made. Subsequently, he was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone therapy and osmotic diuretics and his clinical symptoms and pressure of CSF gradually improved. The decrease of CSF adsorption was observed with RI cisternography in our case. Psychosis, seizures and meningitis are common CNS manifestations in SLE patients. But BIH is very rare and its cause is unclear. Only 17 cases of SLE with BIH have been reported. The pathogenesis and treatment of BIH in SLE patients were discussed in this paper.