Transverse myelitis as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report
Keywords:
Autoimmune disease, rheumatic disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, transverse myelitisAbstract
Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic disease that affects various organs and organ systems. Occasionally, this type of complication can represent the initial manifestation of the disease.
Objective: To present a case of transverse myelitis as the initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Case report: We present the case of a 38-year-old female patient with a history of primary hypothyroidism who presented with a clinical picture consistent with transverse myelitis as the initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, laboratory tests, and therapeutic approaches for the early diagnosis and timely treatment of this disease are described.
Conclusions: Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological manifestation, but it can be the initial clinical presentation of this disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunological studies are fundamental tools for diagnosis. Early treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressants improves the functional prognosis and reduces the risk of neurological sequelae.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Julio Cesar Charco Naula, Daniela Mishel Moyota Guacho, Vianka Micaela Esparza Vallejo, Andrea Valeria Cosíos Vega
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