Meningitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

The aim of the study was to report the clinical history of a 44-year-old male patient, resident in Alagoinhas-BA, who had been retired for 6 years. He presented to the emergency department of a regional hospital on August 13, 2023, complaining of a headache that had started one month previously and had intensified over the last two days of admission. The patient had been diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) since 2015. We discussed the approach to meningitis, analyzing the information obtained from reports detailing the diagnostic and therapeutic journey. In addition to symptomatic medications, complementary examinations were carried out, including laboratory tests, imaging, followed by lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. After diagnosis, the patient was placed in droplet isolation, with neurological behavior maintained, with responses and commands. Initial management focused on hemodynamic stabilization and glycemic control, culminating in progressive improvements and eventual stabilization. Reinforcing the need for vigilance.