Premature atherosclerosis-related central nervous system involvement in two cases of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are prone to premature atherosclerosis. Though atherosclerosis-related coronary artery disease in young lupus patients has been reported, there are a few reports on related central nervous system (CNS) involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. It is imperative to differentiate CNS-atherosclerosis from active lupus as aggressive immunosuppressive treatment is often the choice for the latter. Two cases of young lupus patients with transient loss of consciousness and cerebral infarctions are reported, in whom atherosclerosis was considered as the major risk factor. Both were premenopausal young women who had more than 10-year histories of lupus. Besides CNS symptoms, they did not have any sign suggesting lupus flare. Both had hyperlipidemia without family histories, and carotid ultrasound showed bilateral atherosclerotic plaques. Both responded to treatment with statins and antiplatelet agents.
Zhang
Xuan
X
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Tian
Xinping
X
Zhang
Fengchun
F
D000328:Adult; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D020945:Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / Q000150:complications; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017697:Premenopause; D012307:Risk Factors; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000209:etiology
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors