Neuropsychological Impairment in Systemic Lupus Er

Authors: R H B Benedict J L Shucard R Zivadinov D W Shucard

Publish Date: 2008/06/03

Volume: 18, Issue: 2, Pages: 149-166

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Abstract

In this manuscript we review literature describing the neuropsychological and brain imaging characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus SLE patients The findings are compared and contrasted with multiple sclerosis MS studies revealing similarities and differences of interest to clinicians and researchers While cognitive impairment is somewhat less common in SLE than MS the diseases share a similar cognitive profile with deficits most prominent on tests emphasizing the speed of information processing working memory and visual/spatial learning and memory In early or more mildly affected patients diffuse white matter damage which may not be apparent on conventional brain imaging plays a major role in clinical presentation and cognitive testing The causes of white matter damage are very different however and in later stages of the disease MS and SLE appear to give rise to different forms of cerebral pathology MS may be characterized by increasing brain atrophy affecting especially the cortical and deep gray matter at least after conversion to secondary progressive course There is less evidence for neurodegenerative changes in SLE but patients are increasingly at risk for cerebrovascular disease We conclude by offering some suggestions for future clinical and imaging research

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