Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis

Intern Med. 2008;47(9):867-75. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.0741. Epub 2008 May 1.

Abstract

Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES) is a clinical entity characterized with headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, consciousness disturbance, and frequently visual disorders associated with neuroradiological findings, predominantly white matter abnormalities of the parieto-occipital lobes. The central nervous system manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are highly diverse. However, SLE-associated RPES has been seldom reported. Here, we report a case with RPES in SLE and lupus nephritis with exclusive involvement of parietal and occipital cortices. A systematic review of the literature on the pathogenesis and treatment of SLE-associated RPES is included.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cilazapril / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Nephritis / complications*
  • Lupus Nephritis / drug therapy
  • Lupus Nephritis / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / etiology*
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / pathology

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cilazapril