A case of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in an 80-year-old patient with systemic lupus erythematous and anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies

Background Systemic Lupus Erythematous is a systemic autoimmune disease with multiorgan inflammation. Clinical manifestations are variable and may involve the Central Nervous System. Acute transverse myelitis is a rare complication. Recent studies have shown an association between SLE, transverse myelitis and presence of anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies. Case presentation We describe the case of an 80-year-old woman with a subacute onset of right hemiplegia followed by left-sided ataxia. Cervical MRI revealed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Blood examinations showed positivity for anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, anti-phospholipid antibodies and anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies. Conclusions Anti-aquaporin 4 antibody testing is of paramount importance in order to reach a correct diagnosis and to treat patients with the best therapeutic approach.