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Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a consequence of inflammation of various etiologies resulting in damage to the nerve tracts. Regardless of the etiology, the prevalence of ATM is estimated at 1–4 new cases per million a year. Among connective tissue disorder, systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is the most common cause of ATM. SLE is complicated by neurological manifestation in 25–80% of the patients. ATM may be a complication in 1–3% of SLE patients, but in some patients, it may be the first manifestation of SLE. We describe the case of a 20-year-old male where longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis was the initial manifestation of SLE involving almost the whole length of the spine. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment may prevent long-term permanent damage and may have a favorable outcome

Diseases caused by food preservatives is an underrated area of study. Acquired methemoglobinemia is one such rare disease caused by nitrates. We here present one such case which presented after eating chinese food. As the presentation mimiced many other diseases, a thorough history and knowledge of methemoglobinemia helped us in reaching a diagnosis. Slightest delay in diagnosis and management could be fatal for the patient. Growing demand for chinese food is promoting unchecked use of food preservatives by many food vendors. Reporting of such cases is an appeal to health administration to keep a check on use of food preservatives.