J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2010 Jun;17(2):177-182. 10.4078/jkra.2010.17.2.177.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with Lupus Nephritis

• Kim HK
• Kim HA
• Jang EJ
• Suh CH

• KMID: 2201965
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jkra.2010.17.2.177

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been described in various clinical settings, including severe hypertension, eclampsia, lupus and immunosuppressive therapy. We report a 27 year-old female systemic lupus erythematosus patient who developed severe headache, seizure and hemiparesis during her lupus nephritis flare. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed multi-focal high signal intensity lesions in the parieto-occipital cortex bilaterally and in the subcortical white matter. Her condition improved with immunosuppressive treatments, antihypertensives and hemodialysis. The extent of her lesions decreased on follow-up MRI 2 months later. This case suggests that PRES can be treated with immunosuppressive drugs that do not increase blood pressure.

Keyword

Systemic lupus erythematosus; Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; Lupus nephritis

MeSH Terms

Antihypertensive Agents
Blood Pressure
Eclampsia
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Headache
Humans
Hypertension
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Lupus Nephritis
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Paresis
Pregnancy
Renal Dialysis
Seizures
Antihypertensive Agents

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