Transverse myelitis in systemic lupus erythematosus: two cases with magnetic resonance imaging.

Transverse myelitis is one of the most serious neurological complications occurring in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus. We describe two lupus patients, with transverse myelitis, one of whom had associated optic neuritis. In both, magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord showed an abnormal signal. In one case a good response to steroid and immunosuppressive therapy was observed; the other case failed to improve despite the therapy applied.