Transverse myelitis in antiphospholipid antibody negative systemic lupus erythematosus

Acute transverse myelitis is a well known neurological complication occurring in systemic lupus erythematosus. Many prior studies have shown a link between transverse myelitis and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Earlier theories have linked thrombotic tendency to be the culprit in such manifestations but currently there is evidence to support other causative mechanisms. A case of a young female diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported who presented with acute transverse myelitis and was found to be seronegative for antiphospholipid antibody. It is important to pay heed to and accordingly treat complications like acute transverse myelitis that occur regardless of antiphospholipid antibody positivity in a systemic lupus erythematosus setting.