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Published on: November 1, 2015
Longitudinal myelitis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a paediatric case
Rheumatology International
|July 28, 2011
Summary
Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare central nervous system complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This case highlights a severe longitudinal spinal cord involvement in a pediatric patient, resulting in poor outcomes despite aggressive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with diverse neurological manifestations.
- Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an uncommon but severe central nervous system (CNS) complication of SLE.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old female presented with acute transverse myelitis (ATM) at the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- The myelitis demonstrated extensive longitudinal involvement of the spinal cord, spanning from D2 to D10 segments.
Findings:
- Despite early and aggressive therapeutic interventions, the patient experienced an unfavorable outcome.
- Two years post-diagnosis, the patient continues to suffer from paraplegia, sphincter incontinence, and hypo-paresthesias in both lower extremities.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe and debilitating CNS involvement in pediatric SLE.
- It highlights the challenges in managing longitudinal myelitis associated with SLE, even with prompt and aggressive treatment.
- Further research into optimal therapeutic strategies for CNS lupus, particularly myelitis, is warranted.
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