CNS Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)



Clinical Manifestations: Demyelinating Syndrome, Headache, Movement disorders, Seizure disorders, Aseptic Meningitis, Myelopathy, Encephalopathy, Cognitive Dysfunction, Cerebrovascular Disease, PRES



Pathophysiology: Pathogenesis involves the formation of autoantibodies that will cause ischemia and/or inflammation, leading to vasculopathy, thrombosis and/or blood-brain barrier permeability



Diagnosis of Lupus Cerebritis: Labs, Imaging, Lumbar Puncture, EEG



Treatment:

 • Inflammatory Pathway - Lupus Cerebritis Induction Rx: high-dose glucocorticoids + cyclophosphamide

 • Ischemic Pathway - Aspirin, anticoagulants (for secondary APS), Secondary prevention (statin for CVA)



By Dr. Gabriela Figueiredo Pucci @gabifpucci (@neudrawlogy) and Mithu Maheswaranathan, MD @MithuRheum (@RheumOnePagers)



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