Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with a distinct type and cerebral structural changes

We used the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate morphological alterations within gray matter (GM) in patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus (NPSLE). The two subgroups (inflammatory and ischemic phenotypes) have different pathological mechanisms and treatment methods. In the comparison of grey matter volumes within the two patient groups, we found brain atrophy was more severe in the inflammatory group and that the atrophied brain areas were consistent with previous studies of the blood-brain barrier in patients with autoimmune disease. Our findings could help to deeply understand the pathophysiology of NPSLE, and to treat lupus patients early to improve their prognosis.