Role of antiribosomal P protein antibodies in the diagnosis of lupus isolated to the central nervous system.
BACKGROUND
When lupus presents with isolated central nervous system findings, the usual serologic markers are often absent and diagnostic difficulty with a delay in treatment is common.


OBJECTIVE
To report the usefulness of antiribosomal P protein antibodies in the diagnosis of lupus isolated to the central nervous system when results of tests for anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies are negative.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
The patient was evaluated and treated on referral and follow up for 1 year.


RESULTS
We describe a patient with acute onset of psychosis followed by coma and focal clonic movements with undetectable DNA antibodies. Serum antiribosomal P protein antibody levels were elevated. Steroid therapy was followed by marked clinical improvement and a decrease in antibody titer.


CONCLUSIONS
Antiribosomal P protein antibodies provide an important confirmatory test for the diagnosis of lupus isolated to the central nervous system when results of tests for anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies are negative.
Agius
M A
MA
Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, USA.
Chan
J W
JW
Chung
S
S
Lee
E K
EK
D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D012269:Ribosomal Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies; C064601:L12E protein, Trypanosoma cruzi; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D012269:Ribosomal Proteins