A neuroimaging follow up study of a patient with juvenile central nervous system systemic lupus erythematosus
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Published on: November 17, 2020
S C A Steens1, G P Th Bosma, R ten Cate
1Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. s.c.a.steens@lumc.nl
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.
