Angiographic demonstration of lupus cerebral phlebitis with communicating hydrocephalus.

Two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, who had striking angiographic abnormalities of venous contour, are presented. Both cases also had communicating hydrocephalus. Postmortem examination of one patient led to a histological explanation of the venous changes observed radiologically. Previous radiological reports have shown involvement of arteries but not veins with lupus erythematosus. The angiographic signs of phlebitis may signify a meningeal reaction which, when combined with ventricular enlargement, should suggest communicating hydrocephalus.