Diffusion tensor imaging in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus.
BACKGROUND
Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.


METHODS
We used Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to assess white matter abnormalities in seventeen NPSLE patients, sixteen SLE patients without NPSLE, and twenty age- and gender-matched controls.


RESULTS
NPSLE patients differed significantly from SLE and control patients in white matter integrity of the body of the corpus callosum, the left arm of the forceps major and the left anterior corona radiata.


CONCLUSIONS
Several possible mechanisms of white matter injury are explored, including vascular injury, medication effects, and platelet or fibrin macro- or microembolism from Libman-Sacks endocarditis.
Jung
Rex E
RE
The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA. rjung@mrn.org
Caprihan
Arvind
A
Chavez
Robert S
RS
Flores
Ranee A
RA
Sharrar
Janeen
J
Qualls
Clifford R
CR
Sibbitt
Wilmer
W
Roldan
Carlos A
CA
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D016880:Anisotropy; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000473:pathology; D020945:Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000473:pathology*; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000473:pathology