Advanced Neuroimaging Helps Identify Brain Abnormalities Associated with Cognitive Dysfunction in People with System Lupus Erythematosus

A new study published in Lupus Science & Medicine found an advanced neuroimaging method called a structural MRI can identify total and regional brain abnormalities associated with cognitive dysfunction (CD) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CD is highly prevalent in people with SLE, characterized by clouded thinking, confusion, and impaired memory. 

Researchers examined the findings of 18 advanced imaging and CD studies conducted on groups of people with SLE ranging from 11 to 120 participants. They discovered advanced structural MRI analysis revealed brain abnormalities associated with CD. The most frequently affected cognitive areas were memory, psychomotor speed, and attention. Abnormal structural and/or diffusion MRI results were more often found in the hippocampus, corpus callosum and frontal cortex of the brain in people with SLE, regardless of if they were also diagnosed with central nervous system involvement. 

Using advanced neuroimaging in people with SLE can help discover the underlying causes of CD as well as other brain-related symptoms such as mood disorders, and can potentially help in the development of biomarkers and diagnostic tools for neuropsychiatric lupus. Overall, more exploration of advanced neuroimaging methods is needed in SLE-related CD, including for establishment of outcome measures in clinical trials focused on therapeutics and preservation of cognitive function in SLE. Learn more about lupus and the nervous system.

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