White matter microstructure alterations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A Quantitative synthetic MRI Study

Motivation: Neuropsychiatric disorders are common symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, investigations into altered white matter (WM) microstructure caused by SLE were insufficient. Goal(s): Investigate WM microstructure alterations and their association with anxiety and depression in SLE patients using synthetic MRI (SyMRI) technique. Approach: T1, T2 and myelin content, acquired by SyMRI, were compared between 52 SLE patients and 24 health controls. Results: Longer T1 relaxation time and lower myelin content were found in several WM regions, and anxiety in SLE patients was found to be correlated with a decrease in myelin content in the fornix. Impact: The demyelination of the fornix may be a significant factor leading to anxiety in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.