Magnetic resonance imaging in systemic lupus erythematosus patients without a history of neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without a history of neuropsychiatric symptoms and to correlate any MRI abnormalities with the patient's other disease manifestations or treatment. METHODS: Prospective study of 32 consecutive patients with SLE without a history of neuropsychiatric symptoms, from inpatient and outpatient rheumatology services, who underwent MRI scan during a 3-year period. RESULTS: Five patients had MRI abnormalities consisting of white matter lesions or periventricular hyperintensities; this is similar to the prevalence of these abnormalities in the general population. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of silent brain MRI abnormalities is not increased in SLE patients who do not have a history of neuropsychiatric manifestations.