The frequent occurrence of neurological disease in patients with late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Ten patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, whose first disease manifestation appeared after age 50 years, have been studied prospectively for up to five years. Neurological manifestations attributable to lupus occurred in nine patients and were multiple and varied. In all nine patients the neurological features appeared within one year of disease onset, and in four were present as an initial manifestation. Clinical recovery was generally satisfactory, and was complete in four. The apparent high incidence of neurological disease observed in late-onset lupus may help to elucidate causative mechanisms.