Neuropsychiatric lupus and reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome: a challenging clinical dilemma

The challenging clinical dilemma of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a challenging clinical dilemma. A retrospective single-center study was performed to investigate the clinical features, risk factors, outcomes, and clinical determinants of the prognosis of PRES in SLE.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed from January 2015 to December 2020. 19 episodes of lupus PRES and 19 episodes of non-lupus PRES were identified. 38 cases of patients presenting with neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) hospitalized during the same period were selected as controls. Survival status was acquired via outpatient and telephone follow-up in December 2022.

RESULTS

The clinical neurological presentation of PRES in lupus patients was similar to that of the non-SLE-related PRES and NPSLE populations. Nephritis-induced hypertension is the predominant trigger of PRES in SLE. Disease flare and renal failure-triggered PRES were identified in half of the patients with SLE. The mortality rate of lupus-related PRES during the 2‑year follow-up was 15.8%, the same as that of NPSLE. For patients with lupus-related PRES, multivariate analysis indicated that high diastolic blood pressure (OR =1.762, 95% CI: 1.031 ~ 3.012, p = 0.038), renal involvement (OR = 3.456, 95% CI: 0.894 ~ 14.012, p = 0.049), and positive proteinuria (OR = 1.231, 95% CI: 1.003 ~ 1.511, p = 0.047) were independent risk factors compared to NPSLE. A strong connection between the absolute counts of T and/or B cells and prognosis in lupus patients with neurological manifestations was found (p < 0.05). The lower the counts of T and/or B cells, the worse the prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Lupus patients with renal involvement and disease activity are more likely to develop PRES. The mortality rate of lupus-related PRES is similar to that of NPSLE. Focusing on immune balance might reduce mortality.

The Association of Hypertension With Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Systematic Review

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), also known as reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), is a rare disorder that most commonly affects the posterior part of the brain. Two common causes of PRES are hypertension and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations and aimed at finding the association between hypertension and PRES in SLE patients. We searched medical databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Cochrane Library, and Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) for relevant medical literature. The identified papers were screened, subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ran through quality appraisal tools, after which 16 papers were finalized. The finalized papers explored the roles of hypertension in SLE patients diagnosed with PRES. In this review, we identified a link between hypertension and PRES-SLE patients. We aimed to explain the role of hypertension in the development of PRES in SLE patients. This study also explains the different treatment modalities to be used for treating the patients presenting with PRES and differentiates other neuropsychiatric illnesses commonly present in SLE patients from PRES. It's important to make an accurate clinical diagnosis by understanding the clinical features and neuroimaging results of PRES for future care since it may even be incurable in some circumstances.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in patients with COVID-19 infection: is there a link? A systematic review and case report analysis

During the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, several cases of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) and of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) in COVID-19 patients have been reported, but the link between these syndromes and COVID-19 is unclear. We performed a systematic review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to evaluate whether SARS-CoV2 infection or the drugs used to treat it could be deemed potential risk factors for PRES or RCVS. We performed a literature search. We found 70 articles (60 on PRES and 10 on RCVS) concerning n = 105 patients (n = 85 with PRES, n = 20 with RCVS). We analyzed the clinical characteristics of the two populations separately, then performed an inferential analysis to search for other independent risk factors. We found fewer than usual PRES-related (43.9%) and RCVS-related (45%) risk factors in patients with COVID-19. Such a low incidence of risk factors for PRES and RCVS might suggest the involvement of COVID-19 as an additional risk factor for both diseases due to its capability to cause endothelial dysfunction. We discuss the putative mechanisms of endothelial damage by SARS-CoV2 and antiviral drugs which may underlie the development of PRES and RCVS.

Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Identification and Pharmacological Management

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by an aberrant immune response, leading to an extremely heterogeneous clinical presentation, potentially affecting different systems and organs. Despite the fact that SLE mortality has greatly decreased since the introduction of steroids, some forms of refractory/severe SLE still have the potential to result in permanent organ damage as well as increased mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, SLE patients with multiple comorbidities may face a clinical conundrum and have a bad prognosis. An improved prognosis for severe refractory SLE depends on prompt and appropriate treatment. Due to the scarcity of solid data from a well-characterized group of patients with refractory/severe SLE coming from randomized controlled studies, this review aims to shed light on this with real-world evidence from clinical research performed at our Unit, the University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID) (Turin, Italy). In order to determine the key clinical and prognostic features, and therapeutic approaches for severe and/or refractory SLE, our experience will be described together with existing literature, primarily focused on dermatological, neuropsychiatric, and renal symptoms.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in the puerperium: a case report

Headache is a common presentation to the physician. Although most causes of a headache in pregnancy are benign, the pregnant woman is at risk of a life-threatening secondary headache such as eclampsia, venous sinus thrombosis or posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Pregnancy and the puerperium are prothrombotic risk factors. Although the aetiology of PRES remains to be fully elucidated, hypertension with failed autoregulation results in brain oedema. An alternative hypothesis includes endothelial injury and hypoperfusion leading to an alteration in the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. It occurs in complex, systemic conditions such as pre-eclampsia, following bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy, sepsis and autoimmune diseases. The most common clinical presentation is headache, altered alertness, seizures and visual disturbance such as hemianopia, visual neglect and cortical blindness. It can also develop in normotensive individuals. Symmetric vasogenic oedema in a watershed distribution involving the parieto-occipital regions are typically evident on MRI. Management is determined by the underlying aetiological risk factor. The authors present the case of a 32-year-old multiparous woman presenting with tonic-clonic seizures 16 days following an elective caesarean section. Her pregnancy was complicated by hypertension and headache. There was no history of pre-eclampsia. She required intubation and ventilation. The diagnosis of PRES was established on MRI. Early recognition and treatment provide a favourable prognosis as the clinical symptoms and imaging characteristics are reversible in a large cohort of affected individuals.

Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome: a case report

A 28-year-old female patient was hospitalized primarily because of “intermittent fever for 28 days aggravated by systemic rashes, oral ulcer, and edema in both eyelids for 5 days.” During treatment, convulsions and loss of consciousness occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed an abnormal signal with shadows in the bilateral frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes; cerebellar hemispheres; and basal nodes, with high signal intensity on T2 weighted imaging (T2WI), on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery, and of the apparent diffusion coefficient and low signal intensity on T1WI and diffusion weighted imaging. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES). Intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide were administered for blood pressure control, which effectively controlled the disease. Therefore, when patients with SLE and hypertension or renal insufficiency or those receiving high-dose methylprednisolone or immunosuppressants suddenly present with neurologic abnormalities, a diagnosis of RPES must be considered, and head MRI is the first choice for diagnosis of this disease. In terms of treatment, the blood pressure should be quickly controlled, and the primary disease should be aggressively treated.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome with Stroke in Puerperal Woman with High Titer of Anti-Phospholipid IgM Antibody

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with stroke is very rare in puerperal women. A 36-year-old nulliparous woman with both rheumatoid arthritis and recurrent pregnancy loss, probably due to a high titer of anti-phospholipid IgM antibody, was referred at 10 weeks of gestation. Low-dose aspirin at 100 mg/day and heparin calcium subcutaneous injection at 10,000 units/day were started before pregnancy and stopped at 35⁺⁶ and 40⁺² weeks, respectively. She transabdominally delivered a male infant weighing 3,344 g at 40⁺⁵ weeks. A tonic-clonic seizure abruptly occurred without either hypertension or proteinuria 5 days after delivery. Intracerebral hemorrhage involving an area of 2 cm in diameter in the right frontal lobe and subarachnoid hemorrhage with PRES were confirmed. Seizure recurred 2 days after the initial episode. She showed severe headache and mild disturbance of consciousness but no neurological findings. We suggested that a high titer of anti-phospholipid IgM antibody might be associated with stroke.

Differential serum cytokine profile in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are susceptible to the development of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The main theory concerning the physiopathology of PRES suggests that there is brain-blood barrier damage, which is associated with endothelial dysfunction, and characterized by vasogenic oedema. However, current evidence regarding its physiopathogenic mechanisms is quite scant. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of different serum cytokines, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), in patients with PRES/systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare them with levels in SLE patients without PRES and in healthy controls. We performed a transversal study in a tertiary care centre in México City. We included 32 subjects (healthy controls, n = 6; remission SLE, n = 6; active SLE, n = 6 and PRES/SLE patients, n = 14). PRES was defined as reversible neurological manifestations (seizures, visual abnormalities, acute confusional state), associated with compatible changes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Serum samples were obtained during the first 36 h after the PRES episode and were analysed by cytometric bead array, Luminex multiplex assay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in PRES/SLE patients (P = 0·013 and 0·025, respectively) when compared to the other groups. Furthermore, IL-6 and IL-10 levels displayed a positive correlation (r = 0·686, P = 0·007). There were no differences among groups regarding other cytokines, sCD40L or VEGF levels. A differential serum cytokine profile was found in PRES/SLE patients, with increased IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Our findings, which are similar to those described in other neurological manifestations of SLE, support the fact that PRES should be considered among the SLE-associated neuropsychiatric syndromes.

Clinical implications of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disorder which can affect the central nervous system and result in a broad range of psychiatric syndromes such as psychosis, mood disorders, acute confusion and cognitive dysfunction. Despite the robust nomenclature of neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), psychiatric syndromes in patients are often non-specific and may be secondary to concurrent non-SLE-related conditions and complications of medical therapies. Although the exact immunopathological mechanism for psychiatric presentation remains elusive, prompt exclusion of other factors contributing to the psychiatric symptoms coupled with effective assessment strategies and management with immunosuppression and psychiatric therapy are imperative. Psychiatrists and rheumatologists must work in close liaison to identify, treat and prognosticate patients with psychiatric syndromes in order to improve their quality of life, vocational aptitude and, ultimately, survival.

Diagnosing and attributing neuropsychiatric events to systemic lupus erythematosus: time to untie the Gordian knot?

Neurological and psychiatric syndromes, collectively referred to as NPSLE, occur frequently in SLE. The frequency of NPSLE varies from 21 to 95%; however, only 13-38% of neuropsychiatric (NP) events could be attributable to SLE in the NPSLE SLICC inception cohort. This variability in the frequency of NPSLE is attributable to the low specificity of the ACR case definitions for SLE-attributed NP syndromes, inclusion of minor NP events in the ACR nomenclature, difficulty in ascertainment of NP events and diverse experience of rheumatologists in the clinical assessment of NP events. Making the correct and early attribution of NP events to SLE is important to institute appropriate immunosuppressive treatment for favourable outcomes. Various attribution models using composite decision rules have been developed and used to ascribe NP events to SLE. This review will focus on the various clinical presentations, diagnostic work-up and attributions of the common NPSLE syndromes, including other NP events not included in the ACR nomenclature but which have come to attention in recent years.

The spectrum of neuropsychiatric lupus in a Black Caribbean population: a report of the Barbados National Lupus Registry

Objective The objective of this study was to examine neuropsychiatric lupus in a Black Caribbean population. Methods We reviewed Barbados National Lupus Registry patients with ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria and a diagnosis of neuropsychiatric lupus using the American College of Rheumatology 19 case definitions. Results From 366 patients with four or more American College of Rheumatology criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus, 55 (15%) had evidence of neuropsychiatric lupus. There were 51 females and four males (F:M = 13:1) with a median age of 31 years. A total of 76.4% had a single neuropsychiatric lupus complication and 23.6% had two or three complications occurring sequentially or concurrently. The top three complications were psychosis - 49.1% (95% CI 35.8, 62.5); ischaemic stroke - 32.7% (21.4, 46.5); and generalized tonic-clonic seizures - 12.7% (6.0, 24.8). Twelve of the American College of Rheumatology 19 neuropsychiatric syndromes were represented: 91.2% central; 8.8% peripheral. There were 521 observation years, and for 32 patients (58%) neuropsychiatric lupus was a presenting feature. For the remaining 23 (42%) the first neuropsychiatric lupus event came after systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis - median time of two years. Of the 22 deaths, systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis caused almost half (45.5%) at a median age of 32. The prevalence of nephritis was lower in the neuropsychiatric lupus subgroup (25.5%) compared with the Barbados National Lupus Registry data (47%) ( P = 0.01). Ischaemic stroke caused 22.7% of deaths at a median age of 46 and was the main cause of chronic neurologic deficits amongst survivors. Conclusion Neuropsychiatric lupus was an early cause of morbidity in systemic lupus erythematosus with predominantly singular central nervous system complications, the most common of which was psychosis. Most deaths occurred at a young age, principally from systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis. Ischaemic stroke was the main neurologic cause of death and disability.

Immunotherapies for Neurological Manifestations in the Context of Systemic Autoimmunity

Neurological involvement is relatively common in the majority of systemic autoimmune diseases and may lead to severe morbidity and mortality, if not promptly treated. Treatment options vary greatly, depending on the underlying systemic pathophysiology and the associated neurological symptoms. Selecting the appropriate therapeutic scheme is further complicated by the lack of definite therapeutic guidelines, the necessity to differentiate primary neurological syndromes from those related to the underlying systemic disease, and to sort out adverse neurological manifestations caused by immunosuppressants or the biological agents used to treat the primary disease. Immunotherapy is a sine qua non for treating most, if not all, neurological conditions presenting in the context of systemic autoimmunity. Specific agents include classical immune modulators such as corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange, as well as numerous biological therapies, for example anti-tumor necrosis factor agents and monoclonal antibodies that target various immune pathways such as B cells, cytokines, and co-stimulatory molecules. However, experience regarding the use of these agents in neurological complications of systemic diseases is mainly empirical or based on small uncontrolled studies and case series. The aim of this review is to present the state-of-the-art therapies applied in various neurological manifestations encountered in the context of systemic autoimmune diseases; evaluate all treatment options on the basis of existing guidelines; and compliment these data with our personal experience derived from a large number of patients.

Leukoencephalopathy resolution after atypical mycobacterial treatment: a case report

Background

Association of leukoencephalopathy and atypical mycobacteriosis has been rarely reported. We present a case that is relevant for its unusual presentation and because it may shed further light on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying reversible encephalopathies.

Case report

We report the case of a Hispanic 64-year-old woman with cognitive decline and extensive leukoencephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed white-matter lesions with increased water diffusivity, without blood–brain-barrier disruption. Brain biopsy showed tissue rarefaction with vacuolation, mild inflammation, few reactive astrocytes and decreased aquaporin water-channel expression in the lesions. Six months later, she was diagnosed with atypical mycobacterial pulmonary infection. Brain lesions resolved after antimycobacterial treatment.

Conclusion

We hypothesize leukoencephalopathic changes and vasogenic edema were associated with decreased aquaporin expression. Further studies should clarify if reversible leukoencephalopathy has a causal relationship with decreased aquaporin expression and atypical mycobacterial infection, and mechanisms underlying leukoencephalopathy resolution after antimycobacterial treatment. This article may contribute to the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms underlying magnetic resonance imaging subcortical lesions and edema, which remain incompletely understood.

The spectrum of posterior reversible encephalopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus

Our aim was to compare our South African cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) with other published series. We reviewed the records of 10 patients with SLE and PRES seen over a 10-year period and their demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging findings, and outcome were recorded. We identified 10 females who included six Indians, three mixed ethnicity, and one African Black. Three patients had PRES at the onset of SLE. The most common manifestations at presentation were seizures (100 %), hypertension (80 %), and altered mental state (50 %). On neuroimaging, nine patients had bilateral involvement, and the occipital (90 %), parietal (90 %), and frontal lobes (50 %) were most commonly involved. The risk factors for PRES were disease activity (90 %), renal disease (80 %) and hypertension (80 %). Ninety percent of the patients were on immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressive therapy was increased in six patients (60 %), continued in two and reduced in two patients after the diagnosis of PRES. Seven patients recovered completely and three patients died from co-morbidities. A review of the larger case series of SLE and PRES showed that the presentation and neuroimaging findings were similar; most patients had active disease at the time of PRES and the majority of patients required intensification of immunosuppressive therapy. We have shown that the majority of patients with SLE have active disease at the time of PRES, and they require an increase in their immunosuppressive therapy.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following an inadvertent dural puncture during an emergency laparotomy for ischemic colitis - a case report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-neuroradiological syndrome characterized by various symptoms of neurological disease. It has commonly been reported in association with acute hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, sepsis, and exposure to immunosuppressants. Here, we report on a normotensive woman who developed a severe frontal headache, visual disturbances, and hypertension 3 days after undergoing an emergency laparotomy for ischemic colitis during which she suffered an inadvertent dural puncture. Neuro-imaging revealed features consistent with PRES. The patient went on to make a good recovery, being discharged 21 days postoperatively, with only minor visual disturbances and memory problems. This case highlights the importance of awareness of PRES to all specialties. On reviewing the literature, we feel that PRES may be a potential differential diagnosis to post-procedural neurological symptoms in those patients undergoing routine procedures such as spinal anesthetics or lumbar punctures.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: risk factors and clinical outcome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an uncommon neurologic condition associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to demonstrate the risk factors and clinical outcome of PRES in patients with SLE.

Fifteen patients with SLE were diagnosed with PRES by characteristic clinical manifestations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features from 2000 to 2012. Clinical profiles and outcomes were assessed for this study population. Additionally, 48 SLE patients with neurologic symptoms who underwent brain MRI were included for comparative analyses.

The median age and duration of SLE in patients with PRES was 27 and 6.1 years, respectively. Comparison between patients with and without PRES revealed significant differences in the presentation of hypertension and seizure, lupus nephritis with renal insufficiency, treatment with high-dose steroid and cyclophosphamide, recent transfusion, and lupus activity measured by SLE disease activity index. Renal failure was the single independent factor with a high odds ratio of 129.250 by multivariate analysis. Of 15 patients, four experienced relapse and two died of sepsis during hospitalization.

Our results suggest that lupus nephritis with renal dysfunction and other related clinical conditions can precede the occurrence of PRES in patients with SLE. It is important to perform early brain imaging for a timely diagnosis of PRES when clinically suspected.

Ciprofloxacin-associated posterior reversible encephalopathy

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-neuroradiological syndrome characterised by numerous symptoms and of no specific aetiology. Headache, confusion, seizures, cortical visual disturbances or blindness are the key symptoms. As this syndrome is reversible and readily treated by interrupting or discontinuing the aetiology, it should sharply be acknowledged. Ciprofloxacin was associated with PRES in an adolescent male treated from chest infection. It was managed in a hospital intensive care unit and was observed until disappearance.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome could be an underestimated variant of "reversible neurological deficits" in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been increasingly identified in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) owing to the advance in neuroimaging techniques. Prompt diagnosis is pivotal to improve its outcome. To analyze the clinical and radiographic profile of PRES in patients with SLE and search for the appropriate treatment strategy PRES in SLE.

Methods

SLE patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PRES from August 2008 to January 2011 were evaluated at baseline, and followed to determine clinical outcomes. Data were analysis on clinical characteristics, laboratory abnormalities, treatment details, and outcomes.

Results

Ten episodes of PRES in patients with SLE were identified. All patients were female, mean age of onset was 22.93 ± 2.48 years, and SLEDAI at the onset of PRES were 25.8 ± 5.7. All cases had acute onset of headache, altered mental status, stupor, vomiting, cortical blindness and seizures. Neurological symptoms were the initial manifestation of SLE in three cases. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated posterior white matter edema involving the parietal, temporal and occipital lobes, which were more conspicuous on T2 weighted spin echo and diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) than on computed tomography (CT) scan. Complete clinical and radiographic recovery was observed in 8 patients after prompt treatment with corticosteroids.

Conclusions

PRES might be due to lupus per se besides other traditional causative factors such as hypertension. PRES might be an underestimated variant of “reversible neurological deficits” in SLE. Prompt recognition and timely management is important to prevent permanent neurological deficits.

Reversible diffuse neurological deficits in systemic lupus erythematosus: report of a case

We report a case of lupus presenting with focal as well as diffuse neurological deficits with intracranial and subarachnoid haemorrhages and diffuse hyperintense lesions in T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images of brain magnetic resonance imaging proved by further investigation as demyelination, which completely recovered with intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. During the patient's hospital stay there was one episode of transient hypertensive episode lasting a few hours, promptly reverting to normal with low-dose ramipril therapy. Complete neurological and radiological recovery of such diffuse leucoencephalopathy-like central nervous system lesions has been rarely reported before.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical profile of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and analyze the risk factors and outcomes associated with it.

METHODS

We identified patients with SLE and PRES from January 2006 to October 2010. Data were collected on demographic details, lupus characteristics, PRES-related features, laboratory abnormalities, treatment details, and outcomes.

RESULTS

We studied 13 patients (all female) ages 14-37 years (median 23 yrs; 4 were aged < 18 yrs with juvenile SLE). Duration of lupus ranged from 1.5 to 36 months (median 6 mo). Six patients had PRES as a part of their initial presentation of lupus. All had active lupus and hypertension; 9 had nephritis. Four patients were on treatment with cyclophosphamide therapy when they developed PRES. Antihypertensives and antiepileptics were the mainstay of treatment along with supportive care. Immunosuppressive therapy was guided by lupus-related major organ manifestations. Two patients had focal neurological deficits; one had persistent hemiparesis at followup. One patient died.

CONCLUSION

PRES occurs in young lupus patients and in the early part of the disease. Focal deficits are not uncommon. It can be the presenting manifestation of lupus. Management is predominantly symptomatic. Immunosuppression is directed by other major organ manifestations. Early diagnosis and appropriate management is productive.

Neuropsychiatric lupus: clinical challenges, brain-reactive autoantibodies and treatment strategies

Neurological manifestations in lupus can be due to active lupus disease affecting the brain or to other reasons. Reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome, primary lymphoma of the central nervous system, cerebral infections by bacteria (e.g. mycobacteria), viruses (e.g. JC virus), fungi (e.g. Cryptococcus) and parasites (e.g. Acanthamoeba), steroid-induced psychosis and reactive depression need to be excluded. Brain-reactive autoantibodies have been described as associating with neuropsychiatric lupus. The strongest associations described to date are with antiribosomal P protein and antiphospholipid antibodies. However these autoantibodies have not been shown to play significant roles in the pathogenesis. Treatment strategy for severe neuropsychiatric lupus include establishing definitive diagnosis, early identification and treatment of aggravating factors, appropriate symptomatic treatment, adequate immunosuppression, selective B-cell depletion and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Systematic reviews have shown that cyclophosphamide administration is superior to pulse methylprednisolone as a maintenance therapy. Mycophenolate mofetil has been shown to have modest effect and should only be considered if cyclophosphamide cannot be administered.

Clinical features of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

To characterize reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in terms of treatments for resolution and its clinical course, we reviewed 28 cases of RPLS in SLE including our cases in view of the treatment. Of these, 15 cases improved with blood pressure control and 13 required immunosuppressive therapy for activity of SLE presenting neurological manifestations. Patients without immunosuppressants at onset of RPLS more frequently required immunosuppressive therapy to recover it than those precedingly using these agents [31% (4/13) versus 87% (13/15), p = 0.008, chi-square test]. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important for diagnosis of RPLS-SLE in the patient with SLE who develops neurological disturbance and rapidly increasing blood pressure. When 7-day therapy for hypertension and convulsion does not reverse the manifestations, immunosuppressive treatments would be recommended to reverse RPLS.

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) in a heart transplant recipient treated by substitution of cyclosporine A with tacrolimus

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is one of the important adverse events following organ transplantation, associated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). We describe a case of 54-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with RPLS within weeks after transplantation. Considering the risk of causing fatal rejection by discontinuation of CNIs, the immunosuppressive regimen of the patient was switched from a cyclosporine A-based regimen to a tacrolimus-based regimen. The patient recovered rapidly from RPLS following the switch to tacrolimus. This case demonstrated that not only discontinuation but also a substitution of CNIs would be a valid treatment option for RPLS in transplant recipients.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The ophthalmologist may be called upon to evaluate visual loss in a patient with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Familiarity with presentation and clinical management is imperative, as visual loss is often reversible with prompt treatment directed at causative factors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since its initial description in 1996, the predisposing factors, clinical presentation and radiographic variation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome continue to expand. Case reports of newly uncovered associations of the syndrome appear frequently. Originally considered a subcortical disease of the posterior cerebrum, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has been shown to affect gray matter and can involve both the anterior and posterior cortex, brainstem, cerebellum or even the spinal cord. The pathophysiologic basis of cerebral edema and molecular mechanisms of edema underlying the syndrome are currently being revealed.

SUMMARY

Acute hypertension, eclampsia, immunosuppressive medication, infection or autoimmune diseases can all result in the clinical syndrome of vasogenic edema in the central nervous system leading to headache, seizure, confusion and frequent visual loss. The biologic basis for the syndrome is likely an insult to cerebral vascular autoregulation. MRI is essential in diagnosing a cerebral cause for visual loss. The ophthalmologist may have the initial opportunity to diagnose the syndrome. Treatment may reverse clinical deficits, and is based on eliminating the etiologic causation.

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in a patient with Takayasu arteritis

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) has been identified in several connective tissue diseases. However, there are no reports of RPLS associated with Takayasu arteritis (TA). We report the first case of TA associated with RPLS. A 23-year-old woman presented with sudden headache and vomiting, followed by generalized tonic-clonic seizures and mental changes two weeks after administration of oral prednisolone. MRI showed hyperintense signals on T2 and FLAIR images in the bilateral temporal-parietal-occipital lobes, left frontal lobe, and left cerebellar hemisphere. Three weeks after starting control of convulsions and blood pressure with plasmapheresis, high-dose methylprednisolone, and cyclophosphamide, the clinical manifestations and abnormal signals on MRI completely resolved. These reversible clinical and radiological changes are consistent with vasogenic edema in the central nervous system, indicating RPLS. Although high-dose methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide are thought to cause RPLS, we think that it is justified to use these agents, at least in difficult cases, for making a clear-cut differentiation from CNS vasculitis, as long as blood pressure and fluid volume are well controlled. Moreover, we suggest that RPLS should be included in differential diagnosis of acute neurological changes in connective tissue diseases, including TA.

Reversible focal neurological deficits in systemic lupus erythematosus: report of 2 cases and review of the literature

We report two cases presenting focal neurological deficits with high intensity lesions in fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which almost completely improved by corticosteroid therapy. Marked elevation of cerebrospinal fluid IL-6 was also noted when these patients showed neurological deficits. As far as we explored, there have been thirteen published case reports of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with reversible focal neurological deficits. The neurological symptoms varied from case to case, but could be attributed to the lesions on MRI scans. The completely reversible feature of neurological manifestations as well as MRI findings on corticosteroid therapy is distinct from any other disorder, including cerebrovascular disease and demyelinating syndrome, in the 1999 American College of Rheumatology nomenclature. Therefore, we propose that reversible focal neurological deficits should be added to the 1999 nomenclature and classification and case definitions.