Cerebellar ataxia in systemic lupus erythematosus: three case reports

Three patients presented with cerebellar ataxia among 350 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) seen over the last 14 years. Cerebellar signs were unilateral in one and bilateral in the other two patients. Other neurological findings were present in all three patients. One initially presented with only cerebellar ataxia; other features of SLE appeared a few years later. Lupus anticoagulant test was positive in one patient. Corticosteroids given in the early stages appeared to benefit these patients by ameliorating cerebellar dysfunction.