title: Acute meningoencephalitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are a significant factor of morbidity and mortality. Although central nervous system infections, including septic meningitis, are rare in patients with SLE, they can be significant causes of mortality inspite of the prompt and accurate diagnosis and proper management.
  
  
  METHODS
  We presented a woman with the diagnosis of SLE and diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis. Because of disease activity we introduced cytostatic immunosuppressive therapy, cyclophosphamide and then azathioprine. Meningoencephalitis, staphylococcal sepsis and abscess of the brain, with resulting seizures developed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case alerts to the need of careful examination of patients with SLE, collection of adequate cultures and evaluation of predisposition towards infections, before the introduction of immunosuppressants due to potentially fatal infection.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. popealeksandra@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perić-Popadić
authors.forename: Mirjana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bogić
authors.forename: Vesna
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tomić-Spirić
authors.forename: Vojislav
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Djurić
authors.forename: Jasna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bolpacić
authors.forename: Branko
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Milosević
authors.forename: Sanja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spasić
authors.forename: Sanvila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rasković
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*