Abstract
Background
Central nervous system involvement in SLE as a part of neuropsychiatric lupus is a complex diagnostic entity due to its multiple clinical presentations.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the value of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) and neurophysiological assessment on 30 patients with SLE in order to determine the value in the early diagnosis and management of neurological manifestation of lupus.
Materials and methods
Thirty patients with ACR criteria for SLE are involved in this study. Antiphospholipid antibodies, SWI, and evoked response studies were used to assess neurological involvement in SLE.
Results
Eighteen patients presented with clinical neurological manifestations attributed to neurological lupus. Abnormal SWI findings were found in 16 patients. 11 SLE patients were positive for antiphospholipid. 17 patients presented with abnormal neurophysiological parameters. No correlation between individual neurophysiological disorders (NPD) and specific neuropsychiatric symptoms was observed. There was no significant correlation between the electro physiologic findings and SLE related auto antibodies.
Conclusions
SWI and neurophysiological studies may provide a useful test in the evaluation and management of early neurological lupus.
Notes
Peer review under responsibility of Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine.
Available online 13 January 2014