[Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis preceding cutaneous lupus].

STUDY DESIGN

A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) preceding the features of cutaneous lupus is reported.

OBJECTIVES

To suggest that ADEM and cutaneous lupus are pathophysiologically related.

SUMMARY OF THE BACKGROUND DATA

Neurological complications of systemic lupus erythematosus are common. However, demyelinative central nervous system manifestations are rare, and restricted to neuromyelitis optica (NMO). NMO is thought to be a partial form of ADEM.

METHODS

A clinical, neuroradiological and immunological study was performed in this case.

RESULTS

ADEM was diagnosed in a young black female. Three years later, she developed a cutaneous lupus without hypocomplementemia.

CONCLUSION

A relationship between ADEM and cutaneous lupus is suggested. The normal serum complement level in our patient might be a predisposing factor for the development of ADEM.