[Quantitative characteristic of circulating immune complexes in patients with lupus erythematosus and central nervous...

Molecular weight and concentration characteristics of immune complexes (IC) from 19 sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and CNS impairment have been obtained by the rapid nephelometry assay. Basing on cranial CT findings, the examinees were divided into 2 groups. Group I included patients with cerebral cysts and local dilation of subarachonid spaces, group II those with the above dilatation or that of ventricles of the brain. Small-size IC were registered in 14 sera, their relative molecular mass being under the values derived for donors and SLE patients without CNS affections whereas their level exceeded such in donor sera. Larger IC relative concentrations were seen in group I patients than in group II ones (34 +/- 13 and 18.7 +/- 12, respectively). Five patients failed to demonstrate IC. The presence of small-size IC in high concentrations may be considered a marker of CNS involvement in SLE, the highest concentrations suggesting local impairment of the brain.