[Neurological presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus]

We describe the case of a 61 years-old-woman with lupus erythematosus who presented with neurological symptoms, namely dementia, focality and crisis. The neurological presentation of lupus is evaluated clinically, being similar to the central manifestations of patients with systemic onset. The marked cognitive affectation with relation to other cases of lupus with a neurological onset is emphasized. MR has been shown to be a sensitive means of detection of corticosubcortical lesions of neurolupus, not specific to this condition, as well as to their response to immunosuppressors. The aetiopathogenesis of some of the manifestations of cerebral lupus and the clinical response to corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide is reviewed.