Keywords
Mononeuropathies
Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: “Rhupus” is a rare rheumatologic disease defined as the overlap between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus erythematosus. In this group of patients severe neurologic manifestations are unusual and difficult to diagnose in the clinical practice, with few cases reported in the literature.
Case presentation: A 64-year-old Latin man presented with weight loss, dysphagia and impaired gait. After excluding solid neoplasia, electromyography and nerve conduction studies revealed mononeuritis multiplex in advanced stage. He fulfilled criteria for Rhupus as the etiology and had a satisfactory response to treatment with steroids and a rehabilitation programme at 6 month follow up.
Conclusion: Peripheral nervous system compromise must be recognized as a manifestation of autoimmune disease in order to make a timely diagnosis and treatment.
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