SLE pachymeningitis and multiple cranial nerve palsies: a case report and review of the literature

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a relatively uncommon disease associated with focal or diffuse thickening of the dura mater secondary to underlying chronic inflammation. The link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is extremely rare, with only six other cases reported in the literature. We, however, report the first case of SLE pachymeningitis presenting with multiple cranial nerve palsies. The patient showed good response to steroids and cyclophosphamide therapy. One should maintain a high index of suspicion to make the diagnosis in patients with SLE presenting with neurological dysfunction. Prompt therapy prevents long-term neurological sequelae.