Acute polyradiculoneuropathy complicating systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
• Neurological complications are known in SLE, but polyradiculoneuropathy is infrequent.

Observation:

• Two elderly patients diagnosed with SLE presented with acute onset polyradiculoneuropathy.
• The clinical presentation involved progressive weakness and sensory disturbances.

Findings:

• The patients exhibited symptoms consistent with an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.
• Diagnostic workup confirmed the association between SLE and the neurological complication.

Implications:

• This case series underscores the importance of considering polyradiculoneuropathy in SLE patients presenting with neurological deficits.
• Early recognition and management of this rare complication may improve patient outcomes.