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Lupus-related myelitis: serial MR findings
J M Provenzale1, D P Barboriak, E H Gaensler
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals spinal cord swelling and signal changes in transverse myelitis (TM) associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These TM MRI findings improve with clinical remission.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause neurological complications, including transverse myelitis (TM).
- Understanding the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of TM in SLE is crucial for diagnosis and monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate MRI findings of transverse myelitis in SLE patients with their clinical status during active disease and remission.
Main Methods:
- MRI examinations were performed on four SLE patients during eight episodes of transverse myelitis and four periods of remission.
- MRIs were analyzed for spinal cord enlargement, intramedullary signal abnormalities, and contrast enhancement.
Main Results:
- All eight TM episodes showed abnormal T1 or T2 signals.
- Spinal cord enlargement occurred in 75% of TM episodes.
- Contrast enhancement was observed in 50% of contrast-enhanced MRIs during TM episodes.
Conclusions:
- Spinal cord enlargement and signal abnormalities are common MRI findings in SLE-related TM.
- Contrast enhancement is less frequent, and findings typically resolve or improve with clinical remission.