Correlation of neurocognitive function and brain lesion load on magnetic resonance imaging in systemic lupus erythematosus

AbstractNeurocognitive dysfunction and brain injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, brain MRI is expensive, is restricted by payers, and requires high expertise. Neurocognitive assessment is an easily available, safe, and inexpensive clinical tool that may select patients needing brain MRI. In this cross-sectional and controlled study, 76 SLE patients (69 women, age 37  ± 12 years) and 26 age and gender-matched healthy subjects (22 women, age 34 ± 11 years) underwent assessment of attention, memory, processing speed, executive function, motor function, and global neurocognitive function. All subjects underwent brain MRI with T1-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and diffusion-weighted imaging. Hemispheric and whole brain lesion load in cm3 were determined using semi-automated methods. Neurocognitivez-scores in all clinical domains were significantly lower and whole brain and right and left hemispheres brain lesion load were significantly greater in patients than in controls (allp ≤ 0.02). There was significant correlation between neurocognitivez-scores in all domains and whole brain lesion load: processing speed (r = − 0.46;p <  0.0001), attention (r = − 0.42;p <  0.001), memory (r = − 0.40;p = 0.0004), executive function (r = − 0.25;p = 0.03), motor func...

Source: Rheumatology International - June 13, 2018 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research