Hippocampal atrophy in systemic lupus erythematosus. Issue 12 (26th January 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Appenzeller, S; Carnevalle, A D; Li, L M; Costallat, L T L; Cendes, F
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 65:Issue 12(2006)
• Page Start: 1585
• Page End: 1589
• Publication Date: 2006-01-26
• Subjects: ACR, American College of Rheumatology -- CNS, central nervous system -- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging -- SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus -- SLEDAI, Systemic Lupus Erythematous Disease Activity Index -- SLICC/ACR DI, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.2005.049486
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To determine the frequency and progression of hippocampal atrophy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the clinical, laboratory and treatment features associated with its occurrence. Methods: 150 patients with SLE and 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled in our study. A complete clinical, laboratory and neurological evaluation was performed. Magnetic resonance imaging was carried out using a 2T scanner (Elscint Prestige) and coronal T1-weighted images were used for manual volumetric measurements. Atrophy was defined as values <2 standard deviations from the means of controls. Results: At entry into the study, the mean right and left hippocampal volumes of patients were significantly smaller than the hippocampal volumes of controls (p<0.001). After the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, a significant progression of reduction in right and left hippocampal volumes in patients was observed (p<0.001). At entry, atrophy was identified in 43.9% and at follow-up in 66.7% of patients with SLE. Hippocampal atrophy was related to disease duration (p<0.001) total corticosteroid dose (p = 0.01) and history of central nervous system (CNS) manifestations (p = 0.01). Progression of atrophy was associated with cumulative corticosteroid dose (p = 0.01) and number of CNS events (p = 0.01). Patients with cognitive impairment had more severe hippocampal atrophy than those without. Conclusion: Disease duration, total corticosteroid dose and greater number of CNS manifestations were associated with hippocampal atrophy in patients with SLE. A significant progression of hippocampal atrophy related to total corticosteroid dose and number of CNS events was observed. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.