Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves multiple organ systems and results in a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Skin, joint and kidney disease are particularly prominent in SLE. However, CNS involvement is in fact common and can manifest itself in a wide variety of clinical conditions. The term "neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus" (NPSLE) is often used for this broad array of symptoms. In the sometimes confusing clinical background of NPSLE, imaging can play an important role in diagnosis.

We have seen a large number of patients with NPSLE over 12 years in the course of clinical work and a research study of NPSLE. A pattern of imaging findings emerges in the evaluation of NPSLE. In addition, it is important to recognize what the usual imaging techniques do not show in SLE. Specifically, chronic, diffuse processes occur in the brain in NPSLE that may require special imaging techniques to evaluate.