Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that involves multiple organs and is generally treated by immunosuppressive agents. Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) is a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The standard therapies are intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. An association between AMSAN and SLE is rarely reported. Herein, we describe a case of a 72-year-old man who presented with rapidly progressive paraparesis, dysesthesia, and joint pain with morning stiffness. Initially, he was diagnosed with AMSAN. Intravenous immunoglobulin was given without significant improvement. Subsequent studies indicated the diagnosis of SLE. Therefore, the patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide, and then plasmapheresis. At 3 months, he improved from bedridden to wheelchair-bound. Our case demonstrates AMSAN as a rare initial manifestation that can lead to significant disability.