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Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as an intracranial bleed
1Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|July 1, 1991
Summary
A previously healthy girl developed fever and mental changes, revealing thrombocytopenia and intracranial bleeding. These symptoms led to a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, highlighting rare childhood illness presentations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare autoimmune disease in children.
- Neurological manifestations in childhood SLE can be diverse and challenging to diagnose.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old previously healthy female presented with acute onset fever and altered mental status.
- Initial evaluation revealed thrombocytopenia and an intracranial hemorrhage on computed tomography scan.
- No focal neurological deficits were observed on clinical examination.
Findings:
- Laboratory investigations confirmed the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
- The patient's presentation was atypical for both common childhood illnesses and typical SLE manifestations.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering SLE in pediatric patients with unexplained neurological symptoms and bleeding.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of childhood SLE are crucial for timely intervention and management.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for uncommon presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus in pediatric neurology.