Challenges and Approach Considerations of Neurological Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease with multisystem involvement and a wide range of neurological manifestations. This review aims to explore the variability in the presenting modes of neuropsychiatric lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE). A search strategy was done via various databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane, to retrieve relevant published articles. Each related article has been summarized and the main findings and conclusion of each manifestation and its main defining feature was made. Analysis was done for approximately twenty studies reveals that headache is the most frequently reported neurological symptom in SLE, followed by seizures, with significant clinical overlap observed with other diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The findings emphasize the diagnostic complexity and underscore the importance of differentiating NPSLE from other conditions with similar neurological presentations. Given the substantial impact on morbidity and the risk of irreversible damage, early recognition and appropriate clinical-radiological correlation are essential for effective diagnosis and management. In conclusion, the diagnosis and management of SLE are challenging for both the clinicians and radiologists. It is very important for specialist to be familiar with the clinical manifestations, imaging findings and complications of NPSLE; and to differentiate it from other causes that share the same clinical and radiological features; in order to have an appropriate scientific-based clinical workup and treatment plan.
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