[Favorable response to corticoid therapy in a patient with transverse myelitis in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Abstract

Transverse myelitis is one of the most unusual neurologic complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. Its pathogenetic mechanisms are controversial. Several therapeutic regimens have been attempted with contradictory results. Corticotherapy appears to improve prognosis, although some authors question its beneficial effects. The case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and transverse myelitis, who presented a favourable clinical course following early treatment with high-dose corticoids, is reported.