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Cerebral white matter hyperintensities are not increased in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

E Harboe1, M K Beyer, O J Greve

  • 1Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.

European Journal of Neurology
|February 18, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) do not show increased white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on MRI scans compared to healthy individuals. This controlled study found no significant differences in WMH load or distribution.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Rheumatology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are often associated with autoimmune diseases.
  • Previous reports suggest a higher frequency of WMHs in primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS), but lack controlled evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the prevalence and distribution of WMHs in PSS patients versus healthy controls.
  • To apply the European-American criteria for PSS in this comparative analysis.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, controlled study design was employed.
  • Sixty-eight unselected PSS patients and 68 healthy subjects were included.
  • WMHs were systematically evaluated and rated using the Scheltens method.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant differences were observed in the total WMH scores between PSS patients and healthy subjects.
  • Analysis of regional WMH scores also revealed no significant variations between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • The study concludes that patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome do not exhibit an increased burden or altered distribution of white matter hyperintensities.
  • Findings suggest WMHs are not a distinguishing neuroimaging marker in PSS when compared to healthy populations.

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