Abstract |
Lupus myelitis is a rare but serious condition characterized by myelopathy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Its presentation is usually acute or subacute, and it is often refractory to treatment. We reported a rare presentation of lupus myelitis in a 38-year-old Japanese woman with a 20-year history of SLE. She developed paraparesis and bladder/bowel dysfunction 6 months prior to presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed atrophy of the entire thoracic spinal cord with high intensity on T1-weighted sequence. She was initially treated with intravenous pulse steroid therapy, and prednisolone (20 mg/day) was continued; mizoribine was changed to azathioprine (100 mg/day). In addition, she underwent a rehabilitation program to improve lower-extremity muscle weakness. Moreover, because of the refractory clinical condition, intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was added. Within 1 month, she could walk with a cane and had a desire to urinate and defecate. In conclusion, early and aggressive treatment improves the permanent damage of lupus myelitis.
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Authors | Kanako Sonoda-Shimada, Ikko Kajihara, Masatoshi Jinnin, Hironobu Ihn |
Journal | Drug discoveries & therapeutics
(Drug Discov Ther)
Vol. 14
Issue 4
Pg. 209-210
(Sep 08 2020)
ISSN: 1881-784X [Electronic] Japan |
PMID | 32863325
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Letter)
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Chemical References |
- Cyclophosphamide
- Methylprednisolone
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Topics |
- Administration, Intravenous
- Adult
- Cyclophosphamide
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Female
- Humans
- Japan
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
(complications, drug therapy)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Methylprednisolone
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Myelitis
(diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, etiology)
- Treatment Outcome
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