Reumatismo (Sep 2017)

Headache in a young woman: do not forget Susac’s syndrome

  • A. Kefi,
  • F. Said,
  • T. Ben Salem,
  • M. Khedher,
  • M. Khanfir,
  • I. Ben Ghorbel,
  • M. Lamloum,
  • M.H. Houman

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2017.995
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 69, no. 3
pp. 122 – 125

Abstract

Read online

Susac syndrome is a rare disease characterized by the clinical triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusion, and sensorineural hearing loss. This underdiagnosed condition needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of a broad variety of disorders. An early diagnosis is important as treatment can halt disease progression and prevent permanent disability. Herein, we report a case of Susac syndrome in a 31-year-old woman and we highlight how challenging an early diagnosis was and the importance of an aggressive therapeutic approach, including the combination of steroids and other cytotoxic drugs.

Keywords