[Mirror phenomena in patients with different autoimmune disorders]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Immunology

Context:

• Investigating brain functional asymmetry and mirror phenomena in autoimmune diseases.
• Comparing patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Purpose:

• To analyze hemispheric functional asymmetry in SLE and MS patients.
• To determine the prevalence of mirror phenomena (mirror drawing and writing) in SLE patients.
• To compare these findings with a control group and MS patients.

Summary:

• Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) displayed varied functional asymmetry profiles (right, mainly right, mixed, mainly left), with no symmetric or left-dominant profiles observed.
• A significant 56% of SLE patients demonstrated an ability for mirror phenomena, including mirror drawing and writing, irrespective of their asymmetry profile.
• These findings indicate a distinct neurological characteristic in SLE patients compared to both healthy controls and those with Multiple Sclerosis.

Impact:

• Highlights potential neurological underpinnings and unique brain characteristics in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
• Suggests further research into neuroplasticity and cognitive functions in autoimmune conditions.
• Provides a basis for understanding differential neurological manifestations between SLE and MS.