Communicating hydrocephalus in systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND Central nervous system involvement is common in systemic lupus erythematosus but hydrocephalus, especially in children, is rare. CASE CHARACTERISTICS 6-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus with nephritis, on treatment for four months prior to the presentation with features of raised intracranial pressure. OBSERVATION Computed tomography revealed communicating hydrocephalus without any evidence of granulomatous lesion, infarction or thrombosis, with no features of lupus flare. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting provided symptomatic relief after failed medical management. MESSAGE Hydrocephalus may be seen in systemic lupus erythematosus without tuberculosis or major vessel vasculitis.