Susac syndrome with complete triad and concurrent kidney failure treated with plasmapheresis and rituximab: A case report

Abstract

Introduction

Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by the clinical triad of brain dysfunction, branch retinal artery occlusion, and hearing loss. Many cases have been reported with irreversible sequelae due to misdiagnosis and late treatment of the disease.

Case

In this article, we describe the clinical course and diagnosis of SuS in a young woman with a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus and kidney transplantation who presented with the complete triad. The complex medical history required a tailored treatment approach, including plasmapheresis and rituximab, which significantly improved her condition.

Conclusion

This report highlights the diagnostic complexity of SuS and the value of personalized treatment strategies, contributing to the understanding of this rare disorder, and briefly reviews the current knowledge of the disease and discusses the probable pathophysiological relationship between SuS and kidney failure.