Magnetic resonance abnormalities associated with cognitive dysfunction in primary Sjögren syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Primary Sjögren Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting exocrine glands.
• Neuropsychiatric manifestations are increasingly recognized in SS patients, but their underlying pathophysiology remains unclear.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers insights into brain structure and potential abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between MRI-detected brain abnormalities and cognitive performance in primary SS.
• To compare brain morphology and white matter hyperintensities in primary SS patients versus a control group.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 15 primary SS patients and 15 migraine patients (controls).
• Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments focusing on fronto-subcortical functions were administered.
• Brain MRI scans were performed to obtain volumetric measurements (ventricular system, intracranial volume) and assess signal hyperintensities.

Main Results:

• Primary SS patients demonstrated significantly larger ventricular volumes compared to controls.
• The extent and location of white matter hyperintensities correlated with cognitive deficits and psychiatric symptoms.
• Ventricular volume was also associated with neuropsychological and psychiatric variables.

Conclusions:

• Primary SS is associated with distinct brain morphological abnormalities, including ventricular enlargement and white matter changes.
• These structural changes correlate with observed neuropsychological and psychiatric disturbances in SS.
• The findings support an organic basis for cognitive and psychiatric dysfunction in SS, indicating central nervous system involvement.