Diagnosis of MRI in Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of MRI in diagnosis of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NP-SLE).Methods 9 cases with NP-SLE were examined with PICKER 0.23T imaging system during 1～6 months after presenting clinical signs of NP-SLE. All patients with NP-SLE were imaged by spin-echo and fast spin-echo sequences in axial,sagittal and coronal planes with a head coil.Results In all 9 cases, 5 cases were diffuse NP-SLE which showed multiple points,patch abnormal signal,isointense on T 1WI and hyperintense on T 2WI images,both sides of white matter were involved . 2 patients showed focal abnormal signal in brain, while 1 case showed isointense on T 1WI and small patch hyperintense on T 2WI in basal ganglia which didn't change after treatment, another one showed small patch low signal intensity on T 1WI and high signal intensity on T 2WI( meaning antiquated hemorrhagic infarction)in the head of left caudate nucleus. Among 9 cases, 2 cases showed normal MRI signals.Conclusion MRI is sensitive in displaying cerebral focus,and has important value in diagnosis of NP-SLE. It is important that MRI must be combined with clinical and laboratory data,so that,the characteristic of high sensitivity can be used abundantly and correct diagnosis acquired. In the same time MRI can instruct clinical treatment.