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Chorea and lupus anticoagulant: a case report
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|September 1, 1988
Insights
A teenage girl
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Sydenham's chorea is a neurological disorder often linked to streptococcal infections.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can present with neurological symptoms, including chorea.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of Sydenham's chorea.
- Initial tests for streptococcal infection were negative.
- Lupus anticoagulant was detected in her plasma.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation mimicked Sydenham's chorea but was associated with lupus anticoagulant.
- Treatment with corticosteroids and anticoagulants led to complete remission.
- This suggests an underlying autoimmune condition, likely SLE.
Implications:
- Distinguishing autoimmune-related chorea from infectious causes is crucial for appropriate treatment.
- Thorough laboratory investigation is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of choreiform disorders.
- This case highlights the importance of considering autoimmune etiologies in pediatric chorea.
Abstract:
A 16-year-old girl was hospitalized apparently with Sydenham's chorea. Laboratory investigations failed to reveal any sign of preceding streptococcal infection. However, lupus anticoagulant was demonstrated in plasma. Complete remission followed combined therapy with corticosteroid and anticoagulant drugs. Since the treatment of chorea in systemic lupus erythematosus associated with lupus anticoagulant is completely different from that of Sydenham's chorea, the case illustrates the importance of a thorough laboratory investigation.