Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy caused by azathioprine in systemic lupus erythematosus

J Med Assoc Thai. 2006 Jul;89(7):1029-32.

Abstract

The authors report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus with posterior leukoencephalopathy who presented with headache, tonic-clonic seizure, loss of consciousness and bilateral loss of vision, after taking azathioprine for three weeks. The patient had hypertension with normal eye grounds. The brain CT showed a hypodensity lesion at both bilateral occipital lobes, mainly in the white matter The symptoms and follow-up MRI were improved after the control of hypertension and discontinuation of azathioprine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects*
  • Brain Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine