Internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO): an unusual presentation of neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus.

Background and Purpose: INO in SLE is uncommon, affecting < 5% of hospitalized SLE patients. A MEDLINE search 1966-2001 revealed only 22 reported cases. INO also rarely presents with diplopia. We report such a case.
Case Report: A 35 year old woman with long standing SLE developed the abrupt onset of diplopia, vertigo and ataxia. Physical examination was remarkable only for the neurologic examination with a left INO and abnormal cerebellar testing. Treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide resulted in resolution of her cerebellar and ocular symptoms.