Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by panniculitis, optic atrophy, and hemiplegia: report of a case.

A case is presented of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who had three of its rarest complications--panniculitis, optic atrophy, and hemiplegia, the latter two occurring despite adequate corticosteroid therapy. There appears to be a missing link in this patient's immune mechanism, which faulted her complete response to corticosteroid therapy and led to the three complications.