Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multisystem autoimmune disease with protean manifestations, occurs with neuropsychiatric manifestations in ≤60% of patients. Myelitis is a rare but serious complication of SLE. The diagnosis of myelitis may be difficult, but magnetic resonance imaging is generally very useful in assessing the extension and severity of lupus-related myelitis. We present the case of a 22-year-old woman with SLE since age 18 who presented with bilateral leg paresis of 7 days' duration.
Key Points
* Myelitis is a rare and serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
* The pathogenesis of myelitis in SLE is uncertain, and diagnosis is made by magnetic resonance imaging.
* The outcome of myelitis in SLE is variable. Early management and aggressive treatment of patients are necessary for a favorable response.