Male Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Rare Case of Multisystem Involvement.
Alanood Alsaleh, Hatham Alkanhal
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 31-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with fatigue, joint pain, fever, and a photosensitive rash. Laboratory tests revealed positive antinuclear antibodies and elevated anti-double-stranded DNA levels. Brain MRI indicated central nervous system vasculitis, and renal biopsy confirmed class IV lupus nephritis. Treatment with corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, and mycophenolate mofetil led to clinical improvement and stabilization of renal function.
What made this case unusual
This case underscores the atypical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male patient, highlighting significant neuropsychiatric involvement and severe renal complications.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider systemic lupus erythematosus in male patients with neurological symptoms and multisystem involvement, as it may present atypically compared to female patients.
Why it matters
Recognizing neuropsychiatric manifestations early in male SLE patients can facilitate timely intervention, potentially preventing severe complications.