Microstructural and microvascular alterations in the non-NPSLE patients: a DKI and 3D pCASL study

DKI and 3D pCASL were employed to investigate whether white/gray matter microstructure and cerebral microcirculation were altered in patients suffering from non-neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MK, MKT and CBF values were obtained from 25 brain areas, including gray and white matter. We demonstrated decreased MK, MKT, and elevated CBF in some regions in SLE compared to controls. This study suggested that the brain lesions existed in SLE, DKI and pCASL might be useful for depicting SLE brain early damages, and MK seems to be more sensitive and helpful.