Severe Spinal Cord Inflammation in a Young Woman Diagnosed With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Study

We describe a case of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), an uncommon and dangerous complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that struck a 22-year-old woman with SLE. Chronic autoimmune illness (e.g., SLE) affects the skin, kidneys, joints, blood, and neurological system, among other organs. LETM is a condition where the spinal cord becomes inflamed and damaged, causing neurological problems, such as weakness, sensory loss, and bladder dysfunction. The patient presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, body aches, and fatigue, followed by shock, hypoxia, urinary retention, and constipation. Moreover, she had severe and asymmetric weakness, sensory loss, and areflexia in her limbs. She was diagnosed with LETM based on a nerve conduction study and MRI of the spine, which showed a motor neuron disease pattern and T2 hyperintense signals throughout the spinal cord gray and white matter. She responded well to immunoglobulins, plasma exchange, and high-dose steroids as treatment. Although her prognosis is favorable, there might be some lingering neurological issues or limitations. This instance highlights the significance of treating individuals with SLE as soon as possible after developing LETM.