Autoimmune-Mediated Psychosis: A Case of Susac Syndrome in a Drug User

J Dual Diagn. 2017 Apr-Jun;13(2):133-135. doi: 10.1080/15504263.2017.1296212. Epub 2017 Apr 3.

Abstract

Objective: Susac syndrome, a rare disorder, is thought to be mediated by autoantibodies. One of the potential targets of these autoantibodies could be an antigen in the microvessels of the brain, the retina, and the inner ear leading to central nervous system (CNS) alterations, visual disturbances, and hearing deficits. Our aim is to expand clinicians' diagnostic options when facing psychosis due to medical conditions.

Methods: A case report was conducted for this study.

Results: This paper reports the case of a young male drug user who presented with psychosis, confusion and CNS vasculitis. First deemed to be drug-induced CNS vasculitis, it was finally diagnosed as Susac syndrome.

Conclusions: Although an infrequent entity, Susac syndrome should remain an option in the differential diagnosis of several neurological and psychiatric presentations.

Keywords: CNS vasculitis; Susac syndrome; cannabis dependence; drug use.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
  • Encephalitis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / complications*
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology*
  • Susac Syndrome / complications
  • Susac Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Vasculitis / etiology
  • Young Adult