Very Late-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as Unusual Cause of Reversible Functional and Cognitive Impairments in an Octogenarian Patient

Authors

• Stephanie de Montjoye Rheumatology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
• Benoit Boland Geriatric Medicine Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
• Jacqueline Van Raemdonck Geriatric Medicine Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
• Frederic Houssiau Rheumatology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium

stephanie@demontjoye.com

Keywords

Abstract

While functional decline is a common syndrome in geriatric medicine, the diagnosis of the underlying disease can be complex. We present a case of very late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus with fever, arthritis, lymphadenopathy, sicca syndrome, pleurisy, renal impairment and reversible functional and cognitive impairments. Prompt improvement was observed on prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine.