Ann Rehabil Med.  2016 Aug;40(4):745-750. 10.5535/arm.2016.40.4.745.

A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Approach in a Patient With Serious Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• Ko YJ
• Lee YG
• Park JW
• Ahn SH
• Kwak JM
• Choi YH

• KMID: 2356662
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2016.40.4.745

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) involves the central and peripheral nervous system in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is essential to specify the problems faced by patients with NPSLE because it causes diverse disabilities and impairs quality of life. After performing a comprehensive evaluation, tailored management should be provided for the patient's specific problems. We report here the case of a 30-year-old female with SLE who experienced serious neuropsychiatric symptoms cerebral infarction followed by posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and peripheral polyneuropathy. We systemically assessed the patient using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model as a clinical problem-solving tool and provided comprehensive rehabilitation by focusing on her problems.

Keyword

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE); International Classification of Functioning; Disability and Health; Rehabilitation

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cerebral Infarction
Female
Humans
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System*
Peripheral Nervous System
Polyneuropathies
Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome
Quality of Life
Rehabilitation*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Sequential brain magnetic resonance images. A T2-fluid attenuation inversion recovery image shows multiple high-signal-intensity lesions in the left temporal and frontal lobes, both occipital lobes, and the midbrain (A). Fifteen days later, the previously noted lesions were markedly resolved (B). Although the previously noted lesions were completely resolved, acute right basal ganglia infarction (arrowheads, C) was seen on brain diffusion magnetic resonance imaging 1 week later.

• 

  Fig. 2 Whole-spine magnetic resonance image. The cross-sectional area of the whole spinal cord was markedly thin on the sagittal T2-weighted image.

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