Study design: A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) preceding the features of cutaneous lupus is reported.
Objectives: To suggest that ADEM and cutaneous lupus are pathophysiologically related.
Summary of the background data: Neurological complications of systemic lupus erythematosus are common. However, demyelinative central nervous system manifestations are rare, and restricted to neuromyelitis optica (NMO). NMO is thought to be a partial form of ADEM.
Methods: A clinical, neuroradiological and immunological study was performed in this case.
Results: ADEM was diagnosed in a young black female. Three years later, she developed a cutaneous lupus without hypocomplementemia.
Conclusion: A relationship between ADEM and cutaneous lupus is suggested. The normal serum complement level in our patient might be a predisposing factor for the development of ADEM.