Systemic lupus erythematosus with optical neuromyelitis (Devic's syndrome)- A case with a 35-year follow-up

Optical neuromyelitis or Devic's syndrome is a very uncommon neurological m anifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. It is also associated with an tiphospholipid antibodies. limited responsiveness to glucocorticoid treatme nt and a poor prognosis. We report the case of a female systemic lupus eryt hematosus patient who developed recurrent flares of optical neuritis and tr ansverse myelitis. These flares consistently responded to glucocorticoid th erapy. Despite the absence of overt anticardiolipin antibodies in the cours e of the disease. long-term anticoagulant therapy has been introduced with positive results. Treatments are usually of limited efficacy in Devic's syn drome. In our patient, however, aggressive glucocorticoid treatment resulte d in prolonged survival.