Neurocognitive Disorders Caused by Central Nervous System Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving multiple biological systems that has primary and secondary effects on the central nervous system. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE (NPSLE) are common and are associated with a worse prognosis, more cumulative organ damage, and decreased quality of life. The neurocognitive disorders of NPSLE include an acute confusional state and cognitive dysfunction. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying NPSLE are likely to be multifactorial and may involve vasculopathy of predominantly small intracranial blood vessels, autoantibody production, and intrathecal production of proinflammatory cytokines. No disease-specific diagnostic markers or diagnostic gold standard is known for NPSLE. Thus, the first step of the diagnostic work-up is to exclude non-SLE-related conditions. The correct diagnosis is derived from careful analysis of the clinical, laboratory, and imaging data on a case-by-case basis. This article reviews the current literature, especially on the neurocognitive disorders of NPSLE.