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

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:

• Susac syndrome
• CNS vasculitis
• drug use
• cannabis dependence

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the patient and his family for their permission to report this case.

Disclosures

None of the authors has any financial statement or conflict of interest to report or any other additional income source.