Neuropsychiatric Lupus in clinical practice

• Main Authors: Helena Alessi, Lívia Almeida Dutra, Pedro Braga Neto, José Luiz Pedroso, Fabio F. Toso, Cristiane Kayser, Orlando G. P. Barsottini
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (ABNEURO)
• Series: Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria
• Subjects: lúpus eritematoso sistêmico; vasculite associada ao lúpus, sistema nervoso central; convulsões; mielite; doenças autoimunes
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2016001201021&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving multiple organs, characterized by the production of autoantibodies and the development of tissue injury. The etiology of SLE is partially known, involving multiple genetic and environmental factors. As many as 50% of patients with SLE have neurological involvement during the course of their disease. Neurological manifestations are associated with impaired quality of life, and high morbidity and mortality rates. Nineteen neuropsychiatric syndromes have been identified associated with SLE, and can be divided into central and peripheral manifestations. This article reviews major neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with SLE and discusses their clinical features, radiological findings and treatment options.