Vasculitic Neuropathy in a Third Trimester Pregnant Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease that predominantly occurs in women of childbearing age. A 20-year-old, 35 week pregnant patient was admitted to our clinic with a 20 day history of leg pain, numbness in the feet, and left foot drop. On further examination, the patient reported oral ulcers once a month, occasional joint swelling, increasing malar rash under sunlight. Sensory-predominant sensorimotor polyneuropathy was detected on EMG, and a diagnosis of vasculitic neuropathy-related SLE was made. SLE patients with vague signs and symptoms may have new neurologic signs during pregnancy due to relapse of systemic disease. Moreover, there can be an increase in both fetal and maternal mortality. Therefore, clinicians should be wary of possible aforementioned complications during prenatal examinations of their pregnant patients with SLE.