Antibodies and Brain Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Author Information
Author(s): Betty Diamond, Bruce T. Volpe
Primary Institution: Columbia University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Does the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies correlate with brain abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus?
Conclusion
The study found that patients with neuropsychiatric lupus had decreased mean ADC in the hippocampus and amygdala compared to healthy controls.
Supporting Evidence
- 30%–50% of SLE patients have anti-DNA, anti-NMDAR antibodies.
- Patients with neuropsychiatric lupus showed decreased ADC in the hippocampus and amygdala.
- The study suggests a correlation between antibody presence and brain abnormalities.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain antibodies in lupus patients might affect their brain, finding that some areas of the brain were not working as well.
Methodology
The study used diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to assess brain abnormalities.
Limitations
The data are limited and do not allow for strong predictions about the underlying mechanisms.
Participant Demographics
The study included 37 patients with neuropsychiatric lupus, 12 healthy controls, and 21 patients with SLE without CNS symptoms.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website