Myelopathy due to systemic lupus erythematosus

Myelopathy caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a manifestation of SLE in the spinal cord. SLE is a specific autoimmune disease involving multiple factors (genetic, sex hormones, environment, infection, drugs, immune response), which can affect multiple systems, so the symptoms of multiple organ damage occur. At the beginning of the disease, there are often irregular fevers, and skin damage is the most common. There are butterfly-shaped erythema on the cheeks and bridge of the nose. A rash can also occur on the neck or trunk. In addition, joint pain and lymphadenopathy are often associated. SLE damage to the central nervous system is the leading cause of death, with statistics ranging from 20% to 60% and some reports as high as 75% (Johnson, 1968). Recurrent seizures are the most common, followed by neurological disorders, mental disorders, cerebrovascular accidents, increased intracranial pressure and meningitis, involuntary movements and peripheral nerve damage such as Raynaud's phenomenon.

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