Quantification of gray matter abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus patients by synthetic MRI

Motivation: Neuropsychiatric lupus is a serious complication in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, yet its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Goal(s): To investigate gray matter (GM) microstructural alterations in SLE using synthetic MRI (SyMRI) and explore their link to anxiety and depression. Approach: T1, T2, and PD values of GM in 52 SLE patients were acquired using SyMRI and compared to healthy controls. Associations of these values with anxiety and depression were evaluated. Results: Altered T1 values of left inferior temporal lobe, right thalamus and left putamen, which are interconnected with limbic system, were positively correlated with anxiety in SLE patients. Impact: The microstructural abnormalities of the limbic system may be a significant factor contributing to anxiety in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.