Controversies in lupus: nervous system involvement

Article Abstract:

Central nervous system (CNS) damage related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be difficult to diagnose, define, and treat. Autopsies of the brains of lupus patients with CNS involvement have found very small areas of tissue death, perhaps caused by blockage of the small blood vessels. These multiple microinfarctions may be related to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, which may cause blood to coagulate. Neuropsychometric testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are useful diagnostic tests. Infection may also cause nervous system dysfunction, and should be treated aggressively if found. Treatment of CNS lupus has changed from inducing suppression of the immune system to anticoagulation.

Care and treatment, Causes of, Central nervous system diseases, Neurologic manifestations of general diseases, Neurologic manifestations

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Neuropsychiatric lupus?

Article Abstract:

Neuropsychiatric lupus describes neurologic and psychiatric symptoms in patients with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but it does not indicate the cause. Long-term therapy with immunosuppressive drugs can make SLE patients prone to infection. A 49-year-old man with SLE and fever, headache, and mental decline was diagnosed with a brain abscess from toxoplasma infection. Anti-toxoplasmosis drug therapy effectively reversed the symptoms. SLE patients with neuropsychiatric signs should be fully evaluated for brain tumors, infections, and other conditions.

Toxoplasmosis, Psychological manifestations of general diseases, Psychological symptoms, Apraxia

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Deforming arthropathy or lupus and rhupus hands in systemic lupus erythematosus

Article Abstract:

Deforming joint diseases in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) should be divided into several diagnostic classes to improve treatment. SLE is an autoimmune connective tissue disease. Researchers evaluated 17 patients with hand deformations associated with SLE. Three patients had a type of joint erosion called rhupus hand. Eight patients had Jaccoud's arthropathy, or lupus hand. The other patients had milder forms of hand-joint disease. Jaccoud's arthropathy was associated with a higher risk of pregnancy failure, blood clots, and particular antibodies.

Abnormalities, Diseases, Hand, Joint diseases, Metacarpus, Metacarpal bones

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