Myelitis and Lupus: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and Treatment. Review

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2017 Source:Reumatología Clínica (English Edition) Author(s): Edson Hernán Chiganer, Javier Pablo Hryb, Edgar Carnero Contentti Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems. Myelopathy is one of 19 neuropsychiatric syndromes related to SLE defined by the American College of Rheumatology. Although infrequent, it is a severe manifestation, leading to motor and sensory deficits, and sphincter dysfunction. The pathogenesis is not clearly known, but may be related to arterial thrombosis and vasculitis. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, laboratory tests and the use of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The standard therapy is the combination of intravenous cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids. In refractory disease, other treatments such as plasmapheresis or rituximab have been used.
Source: Reumatologia Clinica - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research