Cranial Nerve Palsies: Sarcoidosis to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Concurrent Occurrence of Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sarcoidosis: A Case Report

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sarcoidosis are both complex autoimmune disorders with varying clinical manifestations. The incidence of SLE is as low as 4.91 per 100,000 population, and that of sarcoidosis is 0.85 per 100,000 population. The prevalence of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) ranges from 17.6% to 44.5%. The concurrent occurrence of NPSLE and sarcoidosis, although rare, presents diagnostic and management challenges. The clinical picture resulting from the coexistence of NPSLE and sarcoidosis, which share a common immunological picture, is not well defined. This case report discusses a patient with coexisting NPSLE and sarcoidosis, highlighting the intricate interplay between these conditions.

Simultaneous Oculomotor and Facial Nerve Palsies in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjögren’s Syndrome

A 70-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented with simultaneous right oculomotor nerve palsy and right facial nerve palsy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed no abnormality. Coexistent Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of anti-SS-A antibody positivity, salivary gland scintigraphy, and histological findings on minor salivary gland biopsy. As there was no obvious cause of multiple cranial neuropathies, we supposed that the palsies were induced by either of the underlying diseases. The patient was treated with a high-dose of prednisolone and intravenous cyclophosphamide, and both palsies recovered almost completely within two weeks.