The pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric lupus

Neuropsychiatric lupus is a frequent and serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Although its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated several mechanisms based on findings in animals and humans have been proposed: cerebral vasculitis; the cross-reaction of lymphocytotoxic antibodies with brain tissue; choroid plexus dysfunction; and the blocking of neurotransmission by noncytotoxic antibodies. Any or all of these mechanisms may be active in a particular patient at a given time.