Lesions of the Central Nervous System in Disseminated Lupus Erythematosus

THERE have been numerous reports of the manifestations of acute disseminated lupus erythematosus in the various organs of the body since Kaposi¹first formulated the concept of the grave form with systemic disturbances. Neurologic signs and symptoms have been reported to occur in the course of the disease, but it has been indicated that the involvement of the central nervous system is not well understood and that the morbid anatomy of the nervous system in this illness requires much further investigation.² Since 1930, autopsy has been performed in 18 cases of acute lupus erythematosus at the Presbyterian Hospital. The central nervous system was examined in six cases, and in three of these widespread lesions were found. It is the purpose of the present paper to report these cases in detail and to review the pertinent literature. REPORT OF CASES Case 1.— L. C., an unmarried white woman aged