Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis preceding cutaneous lupus.

Study design. - A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis preceding thr features of cutaneous lupus is reported. Objectives. - To suggest that ADEM and cutaneous lupus are pathophysiologically related. Summary of the background data. - Neurological complications of systemic lupus erythematosus are common. However, demyelinative central nervous system manifestations are rare, and restricted ro neuromyelitis optica (NMO). NMO is thought to be a partial form of ADEM. Methods. - A clinical, neuroradiogical and immunological study was performed in tills case. Results. - ADEM was diagnosed in a young black female. Three years later, she developed a cutaneous lupus without hypocomplementia. Conclusion. - A relationship between ADEM and cutaneous lupus is suggested. The normal serum complement level in our patient might be a predisposing factor the development of ADEM. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.