Neurologic, ophthalmic, and neuropsychiatric manifestations of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune, multisystem disorder with diverse manifestations. There are limited reports on the neuro-ophthalmic and neuropsychiatric findings in childhood SLE.

CASE REPORT: An 8-year-old patient with suspected SLE with a history of skin rash, joint pain, transient hematologic abnormality, headaches, seizures, and psychosis, presented with papilledema secondary to acquired, obstructive hydrocephalus.

DISCUSSION: SLE-related ocular and neuropsychiatric findings are reviewed. Proposed mechanisms for ocular and cerebral lupus include immune complex deposition, vascular thrombosis, and postinflammatory lesions.

CONCLUSION

The prevalent neurologic and neuropsychiatric complications of pediatric SLE require close follow-up and interdisciplinary management.