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Cerebral large vessel vasculitis in systemic lupus erythematosus
B C Böckle1, D Jara2, K Aichhorn3
1Department of Dermatology, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria norbert.sepp@i-med.ac.at barbara.boeckle@i-med.ac.at.
Lupus
|June 28, 2014
Summary
Neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) involves the central nervous system and can cause varied symptoms. This case highlights rare cerebral large-vessel vasculitis alongside cutaneous vasculitis in a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is characterized by central nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- The exact cause of NPSLE is unclear, but it is often linked to cerebral vascular issues like thromboembolism, small-vessel vasculopathy, and vasculitis.
Observation:
- A female SLE patient presented with stroke-like symptoms, headache, vertigo, and palpable purpura on her legs.
- Cerebral vasculitis, particularly affecting large cerebral vessels, is an uncommon manifestation in SLE patients.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with vasculitis affecting the cerebral large vessels.
- She also presented with coexisting cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis, indicating a complex vascular involvement.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare vascular complications, including large-vessel cerebral vasculitis, in SLE patients presenting with neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
- Understanding these diverse vascular pathologies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of NPSLE.
- Further research into the mechanisms of NPSLE-associated vasculitis may improve patient outcomes.
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