Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by brain abscess: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by brain abscess is fatal. In this article, we present a 58-year-old woman who presented to the neurosurgery department with a 1-week history of headache and 3-day history of intracranial space-occupying lesions. Cranial magnetic resonance (MR) enhancement imaging revealed abnormal signal shadowing in the right frontal lobe, raising suspicion for brain abscess and gliotic herniation. A right frontal abscess was drained, and a subsequent pus smear identified Staphylococcus. The case illustrate significant enhancements in both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, markedly improving the management of brain abscesses compared to lupus encephalitis.