PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - S C A Steens
AU  - G P Th Bosma
AU  - R ten Cate
AU  - J Doornbos
AU  - J M Kros
AU  - L A E M Laan
AU  - G M Steup-Beekman
AU  - M A van Buchem
AU  - T W J Huizinga
TI  - A neuroimaging follow up study of a patient with juvenile central nervous system systemic lupus erythematosus
AID  - 10.1136/ard.62.6.583
DP  - 2003 Jun 01
TA  - Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
PG  - 583--586
VI  - 62
IP  - 6
4099  - http://ard.bmj.com/content/62/6/583.short
4100  - http://ard.bmj.com/content/62/6/583.full
SO  - Ann Rheum Dis2003 Jun 01; 62
AB  - Background: The course of central nervous system systemic lupus erythematosus (CNS-SLE) is largely unknown. New imaging techniques are available to assist in monitoring the disease course. Objective: To report a case of juvenile CNS-SLE, in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess disease activity. Case report: A 10 year old female patient with SLE presented with convulsions; MRI and computed tomography (CT) of the cerebrum disclosed abnormalities. Despite adequate treatment, two years later she had a generalised convulsion, and MRI showed new lesions. MR spectroscopy (MRS) indicated neuronal loss, inflammation, and metabolically compromised tissue; magnetisation transfer imaging (MTI) showed an increase in whole brain lesion load. After exclusion of a malignancy, CNS-SLE was the most likely diagnosis, and cyclophosphamide pulses were administered. Initially, multiple sclerosis (MS)-like lesions regressed, but despite maximal immunosuppressive drugs, new lesions formed and disappeared. When immunosuppressive drugs had been stopped for six months MRI showed improved lesions and MTI histograms. Discussion: In this case report, the anatomical substrate, metabolic aspect, neuroimaging, and clinical course of MS-like lesions in a child with CNS-SLE are described. The way in which radiological techniques can support clinical decision making in this young patient with progressive CNS-SLE is illustrated.