Late diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome in an older woman with psychosis: a case report and review of the literature

Elucidating the Neuropsychiatric Phenomena of Antiphospholipid Syndrome in a 31-Year-Old Female

We present an unusual case of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in a 31-year-old female patient exhibiting neuropsychiatric manifestations, followed by a subsequent thromboembolic stroke. APS is characterized by antiphospholipid antibodies leading to a prothrombotic state and an increased risk of thrombotic events. While the neurological involvement in APS typically presents with thrombotic events, antiphospholipid antibodies may also directly interact with neural tissue, causing immediate pathogenic effects that disrupt normal function. Neuropsychiatric manifestations in APS are rare but have been documented previously, including cases of psychosis and hallucinations. The timely recognition of APS in patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms is crucial for appropriate management and the prevention of further complications. The reported patient displayed aggressive, bizarre, and erratic behavior upon admission to the psychiatric unit, followed by the development of right-sided facial droop and weakness. Imaging studies revealed stenosis and partial occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA), and a repeat scan showed a known left MCA territory infarct with increasing hypodensity in specific brain regions. Notably, the patient exhibited multiple purpuric ecchymoses on bilateral upper extremities, raising suspicion of a hypercoagulable state. Laboratory investigations detected elevated levels of anticardiolipin IgG and beta-2 glycoprotein 1 IgG, along with a positive antinuclear antibody. The presence of a patent foramen ovale was also confirmed through echocardiography. This case emphasizes the importance of early APS recognition in patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms, facilitating appropriate intervention and improved outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms connecting APS to neuropsychiatric manifestations, enabling enhanced understanding and refined management of this intricate condition.

The Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology [...].

Psychotic symptoms in a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A diagnostic dilemma between lupus psychosis and steroid induced psychosis

Introduction

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic auto-immune disorder with the involvement of multiple organ systems. It is more common in females.

Case presentation

Here, we present a case of 12-year-old female, known case of SLE with lupus nephritis, presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms. She was under steroids as well for a few weeks due to flare-up of symptoms prior to that. Due to this, there was a diagnostic dilemma between lupus psychosis and steroid induced psychosis.

Clinical discussion

Approximately one third to half of the patients may have neurological involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. However, neuropsychiatric symptoms in them could be due to corticosteroids, which are frequently used in treatment. There are no definitive and easily available laboratory markers to distinguish these two aetiologies.

Conclusions

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients, who are on steroids, with neuropsychiatric features should be assessed adequately. As there are no specific guideline and biomarkers to distinguish between these two, meticulous evaluation is necessary for appropriate management.

Acute psychosis as the presenting manifestation of lupus

Neuropsychiatric manifestations like cognitive dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, stroke headache, seizures in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are quite common. However, psychosis as the sole presenting manifestation of SLE is rarely encountered clinically. If lupus is not kept as differential among patients with acute psychosis, delay in diagnosis and subsequent mismanagement are likely to happen. Here, we present a case of a young female presenting with acute psychosis as the predominant symptom and was further evaluated and diagnosed as a case of SLE. The patient was managed with immunosuppressive agents and carried an excellent outcome.

Late diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome in an older woman with psychosis: a case report and review of the literature

In older adults with first-time psychiatric manifestations, physical disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) must be considered, even in patients with cognitive dysfunction and/or dementia. Here, we describe the case of a 77-year-old woman with psychosis who was later diagnosed with SLE and APS.