[Cerebral hemorrhage as the initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical and histopathological study of 2 cases].

Two patients with cerebral hemorrhage as the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are reported. The first one showed in the CT scan blood within the brain. Laboratory findings gave the diagnosis of lupus. She was treated with corticosteroids and plasmapheresis with good results. The second patient died within few days and the anatomopathologic study showed a large area of hemorrhage within the brain. The microscopic study of the kidney and other organs made the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus. The authors regard the intracranial bleeding as a rare complication of lupus. They consider that the CT scan must be done in all patients with central nervous system complications of SLE. They consider that the cerebral hemorrhage must be related to the autoimmune disorders that occur in SLE.