A Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Myelitis and Recurrent Neuromyelitis Optica

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an idiopathic, severe inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system targeting optic nerves and the spinal cord. It is characterized by acute bilateral visual loss (optic neuritis), acute transverse myelitis, and tends to spare brain early in the disease course. NMO can occur as an isolated condition or secondary to infection, toxin exposure, and autoimmune disease including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sarcoidosis, and Behcet’s disease. We experienced a case of SLE with myelitis and recurrent optic neuritis in a 28-year-old woman who presented with recurrent visual disturbance and sudden onset of paraplegia, and report here on this case along with a review of the relevant literature.