No evidence of abnormal metabolic or inflammatory activity in the brains of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a preliminary study using whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI)

ConclusionsWe conclude that abnormal brain metabolites are not a common feature of RA, but may been seen in patients with persistent fatigue or disease activity after conventional treatment.Key Points• Whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed no metabolic abnormalities in the brain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.• Brain choline levels were correlated with fatigue severity reported by RA patients and with peripheral joint swelling and tenderness.• Brain myo-inositol levels were similarly correlated with fatigue severity in RA patients.
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research