Nervous system lupus mimics limbic encephalitis.
A 28-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suffered recent onset fever, headache, encephalopathy followed by severe, repeated generalized seizures. Investigations revealed limbic encephalitis. Tests for Herpes simplex encephalitis and paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis were negative. High titers anti-ribosomal-P antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suggested an association with nervous system lupus. No brain biopsy was performed. Treatment was with anti-seizure, anti-viral, and immunomodulating medication.
Stübgen
J P
JP
Department of Neurology, The New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, NY 10021, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008032:Limbic System; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide