Deep cerebral venous thrombosis as a presenting feature of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with various systemic manifestations. Neurological manifestations include cognitive decline, headache, seizure, stroke, and aseptic meningitis. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a very rare manifestation of SLE and occasionally can be the presenting feature of SLE. However, thrombosis of a deep venous system as a presenting feature of SLE is scarcely reported. We report a case of a 42-year-old female who presented with a deep cerebral vein thrombosis and was subsequently diagnosed SLE. The clinician should be aware regarding this uncommon presentation of SLE as CVST. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis as early treatment may prevent a fatal outcome.

Keywords

• Autoimmune disease
• cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• systemic lupus erythematosus