Cerebral lupus vasculopathy. Mechanisms and clinical relevance

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1997 Aug 14:823:154-68. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1997.tb48388.x.

Abstract

The most common neuropathological findings in SLE are a small vessel cerebral vasculopathy and microinfarcts. These findings may reflect the end result of repeated episodes of acute inflammation in the small vessels in the brain. There is experimental support for the local Shwartzman reaction as a paradigm to explain some of the CNS manifestations in SLE. Activation or "priming" of cerebral microvascular endothelial cells by anticardiolipin antibodies or other immunoglobulins in concert with intravascular activation of the complement system may combine to elicit leukothrombosis in the brain. Therapies aimed at inhibiting leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in the brain may be of use in CNS lupus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / etiology
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / pathology
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / etiology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / physiopathology*