Cerebral lymphatic dysfunction and disruption of gray and white matter microstructural integrity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Motivation: SLE is a complex autoimmune disease, and its pathological mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Goal(s): Magnetic resonance diffusion scanning was used to understand the lymphatic dysfunction and the integrity of the fiber bundles on the white matter skeleton and gray matter skeleton in SLE patients. Approach: Neurite directed dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) was used to understand lymphatic function and microstructural changes in SLE patients. Results: ALPS index was reduced in patients with SLE, suggesting impairment of lymphatic function, while changes in NODDI parameters on the gray and white matter skeleton also suggested disruption of fiber integrity. Impact: Research can better understand the pathogenesis of SLE patients and find therapeutic targets by discovering the microstructural changes in SLE patients before the onset of neurological disorders.