A Case of 
Transverse Myelitis Associated with
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Keimyung Medical Journal 2002;21(1):100-104.

A Case of Transverse Myelitis Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

전신성 홍반성 루프스에 동반된 횡단선 척수염 1례

서창균; 김상현; 이승현; 윤태성; 박재호; 임정근

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with variable symptoms in many organs. Involvement of central nervous system in SLE is a relatively common complication. However; transverse myelitis is a rare and late complication of SLE and its prognosis is very poor; resulting in death or severe neurologic sequelae. We report a case of transverse myelitis who was diagnosed as SLE before the onset of neurologic symptoms. Transverse myelitis was diagnosed; based on the clinical presentation and MRI findings. This patient indicated that transverse myelitis could be a relatively early manifestation of SLE. We treated the patient with pulse methyprednisolone followed by cyclophosphamide; However; the treatment did not improve clinical condition of the patient.

Key Words: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Transverse myelitis