Different phenotypes of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus are related to a distinct pattern of structural changes on brain MRI

ConclusionWe showed that different phenotypes of NPSLE were related to distinct patterns of underlying structural brain MRI changes. Especially the inflammatory phenotype of NPSLE was associated with the most pronounced brain volume changes, which might facilitate the diagnostic process in SLE patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms.Key Points• Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) patients showed a higher WMH volume compared to SLE patients with neuropsychiatric syndromes not attributed to SLE (non-NPSLE).• NPSLE patients with inflammatory phenotype showed a lower total brain and white matter volume, and a higher volume of white matter hyperintensities, compared to non-NPSLE patients.• NPSLE patients with inflammatory phenotype showed lower white matter and total brain volumes compared to NPSLE patients with ischemic phenotype.
Source: European Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: research