Isolated sixth nerve palsy as initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. A case report.

A 35-year-old woman with an isolated, transient sixth cranial nerve palsy was found to have a positive fluorescent antinuclear antibody test with a pattern and titer most consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus. Mild anemia and leukopenia were also present. Over 2 months she improved without treatment. Nervous system disease in systemic lupus erythematosus and the unusual nature of presentation in this case are discussed.