Inflammation and the Central Nervous System in Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease

To review how peripheral inflammation in rheumatic disease influences the central nervous system. We consider recent studies of rheumatic disease that employ functional and structural neuroimaging in the context of inflammation, as well as recent studies considering how immunosuppressive therapy is associated with changes in brain function and structure.

The most compelling evidence thus far comes from studies of rheumatoid arthritis and indicates that higher levels of inflammation are associated with changes in cognitive, affective, and pain-processing brain regions, some of which may be rectified by anti-inflammatory treatment. Comorbid symptoms such as widespread pain and fatigue may also be associated with these changes. Inflammation may be associated with compensatory activation of brain regions to offset structural changes. This emerging line of evidence suggests that communication between the brain and immune system are an important and underappreciated aspect of inflammatory rheumatic disease.