SLE-associated myelitis successfully treated by rituximab.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder.
• Neurological manifestations, such as transverse myelitis (TM), are rare but serious complications of SLE.

Observation:

• A case is presented where transverse myelitis (TM) was the initial presenting symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• The patient's TM preceded the diagnosis of other characteristic SLE symptoms.

Findings:

• Successful treatment of SLE-associated transverse myelitis (TM) was achieved using Rituximab.
• Rituximab demonstrated efficacy in managing this rare neurological manifestation of SLE.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering SLE in patients presenting with idiopathic transverse myelitis (TM).
• Early diagnosis and treatment with agents like Rituximab may improve outcomes for SLE patients with neurological involvement.