Transverse myelitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE-TM): A review article

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus-related transverse myelitis (SLE-TM) is a severe neurological complication of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
• It affects an estimated 0.5% to 1% of SLE patients, potentially presenting as the initial symptom in 30% to 60% of cases.
• Limited high-quality research exists, with unknown pathogenesis, variable clinical presentation, and no established diagnostic or management guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on SLE-TM.
• To summarize existing data on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies.
• To highlight the need for further research and standardized guidelines for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing medical literature.
• Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical case reports, and observational studies.
• Synthesis of information on pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, therapeutic interventions, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• SLE-TM is a rare but debilitating condition associated with significant patient morbidity.
• The exact pathogenesis remains largely unelucidated, and clinical presentations are diverse.
• Current management strategies lack standardization, and the role of autoantibodies is debated.

Conclusions:

• Further high-quality research is crucial to understand SLE-TM better.
• Development of clear diagnostic, management, and monitoring guidelines is urgently needed.
• Clarifying the role of autoantibodies may improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic approaches for SLE-TM.