J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2007 Mar;14(1):78-84. 10.4078/jkra.2007.14.1.78.

Demyelinating Syndrome Resembling Multiple Sclerosis as the First Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Report of Two Cases

Affiliations
  • 1Departments of Internal Medicine, Pusan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. k6704@chollian.net
  • 2Departments of Neurology, Pusan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
  • 3Departments of Radiology, Pusan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.

Abstract

Neurologic manifestations rarely occur as presenting feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We describe two women who presented with several episodes of neurologic symptoms mimicking multiple sclerosis. Several years after disease onset, clinical and laboratory finding were compatible with SLE. These cases show that demyelinating syndrome resembling multiple sclerosis may present as a first manifestation of SLE.

Keyword

Multiple sclerosis; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Demyelinating syndrome

MeSH Terms

Female
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*
Multiple Sclerosis*
Neurologic Manifestations

Figure

  • Fig. 1. Axial FLAIR weighted brain MRI shows multiple high signal intensity lesions at the periaqueductal gray matter (arrowhead), uncus (thin arrow), third ventricle wall (thick arrow).

  • Fig. 2. Sagittal T2-weighted spinal MRI shows high signal intensity lesion in spinal cord at the level of C2-4.

  • Fig. 3. Axial FLAIR weighted brain MRI shows bilateral high signal intensity involving the posterior portion of the medulla.

  • Fig. 4. Axial FLAIR weighted brain MRI shows multiple high signal intensity lesions at the hypothalamus (arrow head), uncus (thin arrow), and basal ganglia (thick arrow).


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