Evidence of cerebral hypoperfusion in scleroderma patients

Cerebrovascular Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by vascular damage, immune system dysregulation and fibrosis. The hallmark features include microvascular alterations and progressive tissue fibrosis, affecting skin, internal organs as well central and peripheral nervous system, adding to the disease's complexity and influencing overall outcomes. Of note, SSc has also been linked to macrovascular and cardiovascular involvement, including cerebrovascular damage as observed in stroke. Indeed, advanced neuroimaging is highly recommended for assessing cerebrovascular status in overt SSc to evaluate the complex interactions between cerebrovascular dysfunction and brain tissue damage and/or inflammation. Cerebral vasospasm detected by angiography, as well as an increase in subclinical cerebrovascular atherosclerosis observed by ultrasonography (carotid intimal medial thickness), are predictive for elevated stroke risk. Furthermore, a significant brain hypoperfusion detected by magnetic resonance imaging, along with white matter focal and/or diffuse signal abnormalities in SSc, have been found associated with concomitant peripheral microvascular damage detectable by "Active" and "Late" nail fold video capillaroscopy scleroderma patterns. Finally, the presence of calcifications in small arteries and arterioles found postmortem in the brain of SSc patients reinforces the hypothesis that SSc is associated with brain vascular remodeling. Furthermore, the current state of art shows an increased risk of cerebrovascular events in the SSc, confirmed by neuroimaging. Given the lack of updated comprehensive reviews on cerebrovascular involvement in SSc, we gathered the most relevant evidence on central nervous system damage, highlighting the underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential advantages that neuroimaging may provide for its early detection.

Changes of cerebral structure and perfusion in subtypes of systemic sclerosis: a brain magnetic resonance imaging study

OBJECTIVES

The characteristics of brain impairment in different subtypes of systemic sclerosis (SSc) (dcSSc, diffuse cutaneous SSc; lcSSc, limited cutaneous SSc) remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize cerebral structure and perfusion changes in different subtypes of SSc patients using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

METHODS

Seventy SSc patients (46.0 ± 11.7 years, 62 females) and 30 healthy volunteers (44.8 ± 13.7 years, 24 females) were recruited and underwent brain MR imaging and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Gray matter (GM) volumes were measured using voxel-based morphometry analysis on T1-weighted images. Voxel-based and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) was calculated on arterial spin labelling images. The cerebral structural and perfusion measurements by MR imaging were compared among dcSSc, lcSSc and healthy subjects using one-way ANOVA. The correlations between clinical characteristics and MR imaging measurements were also analysed.

RESULTS

The dcSSc patients exhibited a significant reduction in GM volume in the para-hippocampal region (cluster P < 0.01, FWE corrected) compared with healthy volunteers. Whereas SSc patients, particularly lcSSc patients, showed elevated CBF in cerebellum, insula, cerebral cortex and subcortical structures (regional analyses: all P < 0.05; voxel-based analyses: cluster P < 0.01, FWE corrected). Furthermore, clinical characteristics of modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) (r value ranged from -0.29 to -0.45), MoCA scores (r = 0.40) and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) positivity (r = -0.33) were significantly associated with CBF in some regions (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The manifestations of brain involvement vary among different subtypes of SSc. In addition, severe skin sclerosis may indicate higher risk of brain involvement in SSc patients.

Insights into disability and psycho-social care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

In recent years, the concept of disability has increasingly garnered attention as a crucial long-term target of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. The treatment paradigm has changed dramatically from full control of the disease (clinical and endoscopic remission) toward physical and emotional well-being with the goal of preventing disability and normalizing quality of life. However, in certain cases, despite achieving good disease control, patients may still experience symptoms associated with disability, and reduced emotional wellness. These symptoms can significantly impact various biopsychosocial factors, including interpersonal relationships, educational or work-related activities, body image, and sexual functioning. Nevertheless, they often remain overlooked in the context of IBD care. In this narrative review, we aim to shed light on the burden of certain disability-related symptoms such as bowel urgency, sexual dysfunction, impaired fertility and fatigue, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating them in a clinical setting. There is a demanding need for comprehensive care for IBD patients, with IBD clinicians being mindful of the psychosocial challenges faced by their patients. Providing timely and appropriate management of these challenges alongside IBD treatment is key to achieving holistic remission and enhancing the overall quality of life while reducing disability.

Mild cognitive impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis and features analysis

OBJECTIVE

Nervous system damage in patients with SSc has recently attracted attention. In this study, we aimed to explore mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in SSc patients and the characteristics of these patients.

METHODS

A total of 103 SSc patients were consecutively enrolled from July 2018 to May 2019, and 97 matched healthy individuals were also included as controls. Brief cognitive tests, such as the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BJ), were used to assess the cognitive function of all subjects. We compared the differences in MCI between SSc patients and healthy controls, as well as the differences in demographic and clinical features between SSc patients with and without MCI. Associations of quantitative demographic and clinical features with MoCA-BJ scores in the SSc patients were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The score of MoCA-BJ was lower in the SSc group compared with those in the healthy group [24 (9-30) vs 26 (15-30), P < 0.001]. MCI (MoCA-BJ score ≤ 25) was found in 61.2% (63/103) of the enrolled SSc patients but only in 27.8% (27/97) of the healthy individuals. Other tests evaluating some of the specific domains of cognitive functions showed that the SSc patients had impaired memory, attention and executive ability. Compared with SSc patients without MCI, SSc patients with MCI had lower education level, total serum protein and serum albumin but higher ANA positivity.

CONCLUSION

MCI is common in patients with SSc and should be drawn to the attention of rheumatologists. Lower education level, malnutrition and higher ANA positivity were closely related to the cognitive dysfunctions in SSc patients, providing directions for further interventions.

Neuroimaging findings in rheumatologic disorders

Patients with rheumatological diseases may present with neurological manifestations of peripheral and/or central nervous system (CNS). Symptoms may be related to underlying rheumatological disease or CNS effects of immune-modulating drugs. Early diagnosis and therapy may help prevent serious complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), given its excellent soft tissue details, is the preferred imaging modality when evaluating patients with rheumatological disease and suspected CNS involvement. We present a review of the neuroimaging manifestations of various rheumatic diseases with emphasis on the imaging findings on MRI.

Nailfold Capillaroscopy and Retinal Findings in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Is There An Association?

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by fibrosis and intimal proliferation of cutaneous and visceral small vessels. These architectural abnormalities can be visualized with nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC); the changes being quite characteristic. At the same time, morphological alterations in retinal vascular bed are expected but sparsely described.

Aim

We aimed to characterize the frequency and type of retinal microvascular changes in patients with SSc and to analyze any association with NFC changes.

Patients and Methods

With institutional ethical committee approval, we recruited 45 consecutive patients with SSc (diagnosed based on American College of Rheumatology and European League against Rheumatism [ACR/EULAR-2013] criteria). NFC was done for all of them with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) dermatoscope; additionally, fundoscopy, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were analyzed. Disease characteristics in patients with and without retinal disease were compared.

Results

Among the 45 SSc patients, 12 (26.67%) had limited cutaneous SSc (lSSc) while 33 (73.33%) had diffuse cutaneous disease (dSSc). Retinal microvascular changes seen as mild arteriolar alteration and arteriovenous crossing changes were recorded in 13 patients (28.89%); mostly in those with dSSc (12/13). The NFC architectural changes were more severe in patients with retinal disease, though the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Patients with SSc can often have retinal microvascular abnormalities commensurate with the vascular changes characteristic of SSc. The severity of retinal changes correlates with changes in NFC. NFC, which is now an essential tool for the management of SSc, could be a surrogate marker for retinal involvement in these patients.

Evaluation of brain changes in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients using two different techniques of MRI: Is it really worthy?

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic multi-system autoimmune disease of unknown cause and a complex pathogenesis. The hallmark of the disease is microvascular vasculopathy which results in tissue ischemia with recurrent episodes of reperfusion. Diffusion-weighted (DW) Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent tool for the detection of activity of any vascular or inflammatory lesions.

OBJECTIVES

Detect brain changes in systemic sclerosis patients with asymptomatic CNS manifestations using fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) weighted sequence and diffusion-weighted (DW) sequence MRI.

METHODS

Fifteen systemic sclerosis female patients aged 27-60 years old with disease duration of 1-20 years with no CNS clinical manifestations were included. A controlled group of 14 clinically normal persons, age and sex matched. Both groups were subjected to brain MR examination at 1.5T; a FLAIR weighted sequence and a DW sequence. SPSS (version 20) was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

37 white matter hyperintense lesions (≤2 to ≥ 5mm in diameter) were detected in patient group using FLAIR weighted MRI while diffusion-weighted MRI failed to detect the same lesions. A non-significant relation (P=.259) between the presence of white matter hyperintense lesions and the severity of peripheral vascular affection of the disease was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic central nervous system vasculopathy is detected in systemic sclerosis using FLAIR MRI, while diffusion MRI failed to detect such lesions. These findings suggest a non-inflammatory form of central nervous system microvasculopathy in SSc patients.

Alzheimer's Disease in Systemic Sclerosis Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Neurological features are often overlooked in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and little is known about the link between dementia and SSc.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate whether an association exists between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and SSc, as well as assess the impact of a dual diagnosis on mortality rates, by performing an extensive data analysis on a large subject sample.

METHODS

We utilized the medical database of the Clalit-Health-Services in a case-control study. Patients with SSc were compared with age- and sex-matched controls with regard to the prevalence of AD and its impact on their mortality.

RESULTS

Our study included 2,431 SSc patients and 12,377 age- and sex-matched controls. The mean age of the study population was 63.32±18.06 years and the female to male ratio was 4.5:1. 134 (5.5%) cases had AD as a co-morbidity in comparison with 749 (5.9%) of the controls. The mortality rate was 12.5% among controls and 26.2% among SSc cases. On the Cox multivariate survival analysis, diagnosis of SSc and AD demonstrated significant HRs (2.35 (95% CI 2.05-2.69, p < 0.0001) and 2.19 (95% CI 1.94-2.48, p < 0.0001), respectively). SSc patients with AD had a relative risk of death of 2.35 (95% CI: 1.44-3.83) in comparison with SSc patients without AD.

CONCLUSION

AD is a predictor of death in SSc and therefore preemptive screening may be warranted. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether improvements in the medical regimen for SSc may lead to a reduction in AD development and possibly to increased survival as well.

Fatigue in IBD: epidemiology, pathophysiology and management

Fatigue is an important clinical problem in patients with IBD, affecting nearly 50% of patients in clinical remission and > 80% of those with active disease. The resulting decrease in quality of life and impaired work productivity and functioning contribute markedly to the societal costs of fatigue. However, despite the burden and effects of fatigue, little is known about its aetiology and pathophysiology, which impairs our ability to effectively treat this symptom. Here, we review the theories behind the development of fatigue in IBD and the role of contributing factors, including nutritional deficiency, inflammation and altered metabolism. We also explore the potential role of the gut microbiome in mediating fatigue and other psychological symptoms through the gut-brain axis. We discuss the efficacy of nutrient repletion and various psychological and pharmacological interventions on relieving fatigue in patients with IBD and expand the discussion to non-IBD-related fatigue when evidence exists. Finally, we present a therapeutic strategy for the management of fatigue in IBD and call for further mechanistic and clinical research into this poorly studied symptom.

Neurosonological and cognitive screening for evaluation of systemic sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of cerebrovascular hemodynamics, third ventricle diameter (as a proxy of brain atrophy) by transcranial sonography (TCS), and screening of cognitive performance by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

METHODS

A total of 38 SSc patients recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Rheumatology Department, Kasr Alainy Hospital, Cairo University, and 51, age- and sex-matched, healthy controls were included in the study. TCS was used to assess the mean flow velocity (MFV), pulsatility index (PI) of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries bilaterally, and to measure the third ventricle diameter as a proxy of brain atrophy. Cognitive impairment was screened using the SDMT. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between SSc patients and controls regarding either PI or MFV of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries; also, there was no difference regarding the third ventricle diameter; however, limited SSc patients showed a significant increase in the PI of PCA and MFV of ACA as compared with diffuse SSc patients (p = 0.005, 0.004). There was a significant difference between SSc patients and controls regarding the SDMT (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

There is an evidence of increased cerebral vascular tone and resistance in limited SSc patients compared with diffuse SSc subgroup, without evidence of cerebral atrophy, suggesting early cerebrovascular affection even in asymptomatic limited SSc patients. There was also an evidence of cognitive impairment in SSc patients.

Central nervous system vasculitis in adults: An update

Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a challenging diagnosis due to broad clinical manifestations and variable specificity and sensitivity of laboratory and imaging diagnostic tools. Differential diagnosis includes reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), secondary vasculitis of the CNS and other noninflammatory vasculopathies. Brain biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis and to exclude mimickers. Recent data show that data large-vessel PCNSV present worse prognosis when compared to small-vessel PCNSV. Herein we review diagnosis and management of PCNSV, secondary vasculitis of CNS and RCVS.

Cerebral small vessel disease: Capillary pathways to stroke and cognitive decline

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) gives rise to one in five strokes worldwide and constitutes a major source of cognitive decline in the elderly. SVD is known to occur in relation to hypertension, diabetes, smoking, radiation therapy and in a range of inherited and genetic disorders, autoimmune disorders, connective tissue disorders, and infections. Until recently, changes in capillary patency and blood viscosity have received little attention in the aetiopathogenesis of SVD and the high risk of subsequent stroke and cognitive decline. Capillary flow patterns were, however, recently shown to limit the extraction efficacy of oxygen in tissue and capillary dysfunction therefore proposed as a source of stroke-like symptoms and neurodegeneration, even in the absence of physical flow-limiting vascular pathology. In this review, we examine whether capillary flow disturbances may be a shared feature of conditions that represent risk factors for SVD. We then discuss aspects of capillary dysfunction that could be prevented or alleviated and therefore might be of general benefit to patients at risk of SVD, stroke or cognitive decline.

Neurologic involvement in scleroderma: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To perform a systematic review of neurologic involvement in Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Localized Scleroderma (LS), describing clinical features, neuroimaging, and treatment.

METHODS

We performed a literature search in PubMed using the following MeSH terms, scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, localized scleroderma, localized scleroderma "en coup de sabre", Parry-Romberg syndrome, cognitive impairment, memory, seizures, epilepsy, headache, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), SF-36, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), neuropsychiatric, psychosis, neurologic involvement, neuropathy, peripheral nerves, cranial nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar entrapment, tarsal tunnel syndrome, mononeuropathy, polyneuropathy, radiculopathy, myelopathy, autonomic nervous system, nervous system, electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Patients with other connective tissue disease knowingly responsible for nervous system involvement were excluded from the analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 182 case reports/studies addressing SSc and 50 referring to LS were identified. SSc patients totalized 9506, while data on 224 LS patients were available. In LS, seizures (41.58%) and headache (18.81%) predominated. Nonetheless, descriptions of varied cranial nerve involvement and hemiparesis were made. Central nervous system involvement in SSc was characterized by headache (23.73%), seizures (13.56%) and cognitive impairment (8.47%). Depression and anxiety were frequently observed (73.15% and 23.95%, respectively). Myopathy (51.8%), trigeminal neuropathy (16.52%), peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy (14.25%), and carpal tunnel syndrome (6.56%) were the most frequent peripheral nervous system involvement in SSc. Autonomic neuropathy involving cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems was regularly described. Treatment of nervous system involvement, on the other hand, varied in a case-to-case basis. However, corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide were usually prescribed in severe cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Previously considered a rare event, nervous system involvement in scleroderma has been increasingly recognized. Seizures and headache are the most reported features in LS en coup de sabre, while peripheral and autonomic nervous systems involvement predominate in SSc. Moreover, recently, reports have frequently documented white matter lesions in asymptomatic SSc patients, suggesting smaller branches and perforating arteries involvement.

Correlations between angiogenic factors and capillaroscopic patterns in systemic sclerosis

Introduction

We sought to assess whether nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) patterns are associated with levels of angiogenic factors in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) were measured in the peripheral blood of 60 consecutive SSc patients. Serum levels of eight endothelial markers were measured first in these 60 patients, and then in an independent replication cohort of 43 SSc patients in case of association with NVC patterns. NVC patterns were determined by four independent investigators blinded to vascular markers.

Results

Patients with the late-NVC pattern exhibited lower EPC levels (P < 0.0001) and higher VEGF levels (P = 0.03). Higher VEGF levels were confirmed to be associated with the late-NVC pattern in the replication cohort (P = 0.01). By multivariate analysis focused on biomarkers, lower EPC (P = 0.03) and higher VEGF levels (P = 0.001) were independently associated with the late-NVC pattern. In an alternate multivariate model including these two factors and SSc-related disease characteristics, lower EPC counts (P = 0.005), higher VEGF levels (P = 0.01), a history of digital ulcers (P = 0.04), and a modified Rodnan skin score > 14 (P < 0.0001) were independently associated with the late-NVC pattern.

Conclusion

Our data revealed decreased EPC counts and increased VEGF levels in patients with the late-NVC pattern. Further studies are now needed to determine the role of VEGF and EPCs in endothelial injury and repair in SSc.

Brain MRI screening showing evidences of early central nervous system involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a multisystem autoimmune collagen disease where structural and functional abnormalities of small blood vessels prevail. Transient ischemic attacks, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhage have been reported as primary consequence of vascular central nervous system affection in systemic sclerosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be the most sensitive diagnostic technique for detecting symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions in the brain in cases of multifocal diseases. The objective of this study is to detect subclinical as well as clinically manifest cerebral vasculopathy in patients with systemic sclerosis using magnetic resonance imaging. As much as 30 female patients with systemic sclerosis aged 27-61 years old, with disease duration of 1-9 years and with no history of other systemic disease or cerebrovascular accidents, were enrolled. Age-matched female control group of 30 clinically normal subjects, underwent brain magnetic resonance examination. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in the form of white matter hyperintense foci of variable sizes were found in significantly abundant forms in systemic sclerosis patients on magnetic resonance evaluation than in age-related control group, signifying a form of CNS vasculopathy. Such foci showed significant correlation to clinical features of organic CNS lesion including headaches, fainting attacks and organic depression as well as to the severity of peripheral vascular disease with insignificant correlation with disease duration. In conclusion, subclinical as well as clinically manifest CNS ischemic vasculopathy is not uncommon in systemic sclerosis patients and magnetic resonance imaging is considered a sensitive noninvasive screening tool for early detection of CNS involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis is a multisystem disease where functional and structural abnormalities of small blood vessels prevail. Recently, transient ischemic attacks, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhages have been reported as primary consequence of vascular central nervous system affection in systemic sclerosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered to be the most sensitive diagnostic technique for detecting symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions in the brain in cases of multifocal diseases.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate brain changes in patients with systemic sclerosis using MRI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty female patients with systemic sclerosis aged 27-61 years, with disease duration of 1-9 years and with no history of other systemic disease or cerebrovascular accidents, were enrolled. An age-matched female control group of 30 clinically normal subjects, underwent brain MR examination.

RESULTS

Central nervous system involvement in the form of white matter hyperintense foci of variable sizes were found in significantly abundant forms in systemic sclerosis patients on MR evaluation than in the age-related control group, signifying a form of central nervous system vasculopathy. Such foci showed no definite correlation with disease duration, yet they showed significant correlation to severity of peripheral vascular disease, headaches, fainting attacks and depression in the group under study.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic as well as symptomatic central nervous system ischemic vasculopathy is not uncommon in systemic sclerosis patients and MRI is considered a sensitive noninvasive screening tool for early detection of CNS involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Cognitive and cerebral hemodynamic impairment in scleroderma patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES

Neurological involvement in systemic sclerosis is unusual despite the possible cerebral localization of vascular lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive performances and cerebral vasoreactivity in young scleroderma patients without any signs or symptoms of nervous system involvement.

METHODS

Sixteen scleroderma patients and 16 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects without vascular risk factors were included. A neuropsychological assessment for the evaluation of different areas of cognition was performed. For an assessment of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), each subject was submitted to hypercapnia with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography using the Breath-Holding Index (BHI).

RESULTS

Patients had significantly lower adjusted mean levels of performance with respect to controls in the Modified Card Sorting Test (P < 0.001) and in the Trail Making Test Parts A and B (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively). Regarding CVR, BHI values were significantly lower in patients with respect to controls: 0.82 +/- 0.44 vs. 1.34 +/- 0.18, P < 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show the presence of reduced performances of executive functions in scleroderma patients. The associated alteration of CVR in the absence of other apparent causes of cerebrovascular impairment suggests that cognitive problems may be related to an alteration in cerebral perfusion regulation specifically linked to the disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether cognitive changes may be positively influenced by treatments aimed to improve vessels functionality in scleroderma patients.

Development and validation of the random walk algorithm: application to the classification of diffuse heterogeneity in brain SPECT perfusion images

Heterogeneity analysis has been studied for radiological imaging, but few methods have been developed for functional images. Diffuse heterogeneous perfusion frequently appears in brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images, but objective quantification is lacking. An automatic method, based on random walk (RW) theory, has been developed to quantify perfusion heterogeneity. We assess the robustness of our algorithm in differentiating levels of diffuse heterogeneity even when focal defects are present.

METHODS

Heterogeneity is quantified by counting R (percentage), the mean rate of visited pixels in a fixed number of steps of the stochastic RW process. The algorithm has been tested on the numerical anthropomorphic Zubal head phantom. Seven diffuse cortical heterogeneity levels were simulated with an adjustable Gaussian function and 6 temporoparietal focal defects simulating Alzheimer Disease, leading to 42 phantoms. Data were projected and smoothed (full width at half maximum, 5.5 mm), and Poisson noise was added to the 64 projections. The SPECT data were reconstructed using filtered backprojection (Hamming filter, 0.5 c/p). R values for different levels of perfusion defect and diffuse heterogeneity were evaluated on 3 parameters: the number of slices studied (20 vs 40), the use of Talairach normalization versus original space, and the use of a cortical mask within the Talairach space. For each parameter, regression lines for heterogeneity and temporoparietal defect quantification were analyzed by covariance statistics. R values were also evaluated on SPECT images performed on 25 subjects with suspected focal dementia and on 15 normal controls. Scans were blindly ranked by 2 experienced nuclear physicians according to the degree of diffuse heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Variability of R was smaller than 0.17% for repeated measurements. R was more particularly influenced by diffuse heterogeneity compared with focal perfusion defect. The Talairach normalization had a significant influence on the heterogeneity quantification. The number of slices visited by the RW and the cortical masking have a weak influence on the heterogeneity quantification but only for very low heterogeneity levels. The Spearman coefficient between physicians' consensus and RW automatic ranking is 0.85, in the same order of magnitude as the Spearman coefficient between the rankings of the 2 senior physicians (0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Random walk is an original and objective method and is able to quantify heterogeneous brain perfusion, even in presence of cortical defects. This method is repeatable, robust, and mainly influenced by spatial normalization.

Systemic sclerosis associated with generalized vasculitis and hypopituitarism

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressively evolving multisystemic disorder of unknown etiology. Beyond skin, several other organs can also be affected with a severity of involvement that is often heterogeneous. We describe a 53-year-old female patient who was admitted urgently to the hospital almost collapsed, because of numerous bleeding deep skin ulcers, located all over the body. Clinical findings and autoantibody screening were typical of SSc. Moreover, both histopathology and immunofluorescence findings were compatible with scleroderma and vasculitis as well. In addition, pituitary hormone investigation revealed severely damaged function of the gland. We assume that severe skin ulceration and serious hypopituitarism were both implications of underlying SSc-associated vasculitis. To the best of our knowledge, these peculiar clinical manifestations have not been described in the international literature to date.

Nailfold capillaroscopy is useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. A future tool for the analysis of microvascular heart involvement?

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) represents the most frequent clinical aspect of cardio/microvascular involvement and is a key feature of several autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Moreover, RP is associated in a statistically significant manner with many coronary diseases. In normal conditions or in primary RP (excluding during the cold-exposure test), the normal nailfold capillaroscopic pattern shows a regular disposition of the capillary loops along with the nailbed. On the contrary, in subjects suffering from secondary RP, one or more alterations of the capillaroscopic findings should alert the physician of the possibility of a connective tissue disease not yet detected. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NV) represents the best method to analyse microvascular abnormalities in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Architectural disorganization, giant capillaries, haemorrhages, loss of capillaries, angiogenesis and avascular areas characterize >95% of patients with overt scleroderma (SSc). The term 'SSc pattern' includes, all together, these sequential capillaroscopic changes typical to the microvascular involvement in SSc. The capillaroscopic aspects observed in dermatomyositis and in the undifferentiated connective tissue disease are generally reported as 'SSc-like pattern'. Effectively, and early in the disease, the peripheral microangiopathy may be well recognized and studied by nailfold capillaroscopy, or better with nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC). The early differential diagnosis between primary and secondary RP is the best advantage NVC may offer. In addition, interesting capillaroscopic changes have been observed in systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-phospholipid syndrome and Sjogren's syndrome. Further epidemiological and clinical studies are needed to better standardize the NCV patterns. In future, the evaluation of nailfold capillaroscopy in autoimmune rheumatic diseases might represent a tool for the prediction of microvascular heart involvement by considering the systemic microvascular derangement at the capillary nailfold.

Kapillarmikroskopie und rheumatische Erkrankungen: State of the art

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NVC) represents the best method for analyzing microvascular abnormalities in rheumatic diseases. Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) represents the most frequent clinical aspect of microvascular involvement and is a key feature of several such diseases. Under normal conditions or in primary RP (exclusion by the cold-exposure test), the normal nailfold capillaroscopic pattern shows a regular disposition of the capillary loops within the nail bed. However, in subjects suffering from secondary RP, one or more alterations in the capillaroscopic findings should alert the physician to search for an underlying connective tissue disease. Architectural disorganization, giant capillaries, hemorrhages, loss of capillaries and avascular areas characterize more than 95% of patients with overt systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc). Therefore, the term "scleroderma pattern", includes all capillaroscopic changes typical of the microvascular involvement in SSc. The capillaroscopic aspects observed in dermatomyositis and in undifferentiated connective tissue disease are generally reported as "scleroderma-like patterns". This peripheral microangiopathy can be effectively detected early in the course of the disease and studied in detail by nailfold capillaroscopy or, better, with NVC. In addition, early differential diagnosis between primary and secondary RP is the greatest advantage NVC has to offer. In addition, interesting capillaroscopic changes have been observed in systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome. However, further epidemiological and clinical studies are needed to better standardize NVC patterns.

Psychiatric manifestations of autoimmune disorders

Psychiatric symptoms are common to many autoimmune disorders. Patients often will have mood disorders, anxiety, cognitive deficits, delirium, and psychosis. These symptoms may reflect the direct or indirect effect of the autoimmune disorder on the central nervous system, may be related to medications used to treat the disorder, or may be a direct psychologic impact from suffering with the autoimmune disorder. Accurately recognizing the psychiatric component and generating a differential diagnosis is a complex task for the treating physician. Treatment of the psychiatric component to the disorder often will include addressing steroid induced side effects, psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, patient and family education, and a strong physician-patient relationship.

Capillaroscopy

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is the most common and significant clinical condition with an indication for a microvascular analysis to be carried out as soon as possible. Microvascular involvement is a key feature of RP and several rheumatic diseases are characterised by the presence of RP. Nailfold capillary microscopy shows an impressive cost/effectiveness ratio: it is simple, non-invasive and inexpensive. Well recognised nailfold videocapillaroscopic patterns (NVC) have been described mainly in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with secondary RP. The peripheral microvascular damage in SSc is characterised by increasing structural alterations of the capillaries (giant capillaries and microhaemorrhagies) with a progressive decrease in their density. The detection of the scleroderma NVC pattern allows an early distinction between the primary RP (functional, not disease associated) and the secondary RP (disease associated). Other major NVC patterns have been described in the field of rheumatic diseases. Interestingly, correlations are evident between the NVC and the clinical symptoms, severity of the disease and the laboratory findings.

Nailfold video-capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis

The Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is the most common and significant clinical condition supporting microvascular analysis as soon as possible. Microvascular involvement is a key feature of RP, and several rheumatic diseases are characterized by the presence of the RP. Nailfold capillary microscopy shows an impressive cost/effectiveness ratio: it is simple, noninvasive and inexpensive.Well-recognized videocapillaroscopic patterns (NVC) have been described mainly in scleroderma (SSc) patients complaining of a secondary RP. The peripheral microvascular damage in SSc is characterized by increasing structural alterations of the capillaries (giant capillaries and microhemorrhages) with progressive decrease of their density. The detection of the scleroderma NCV allows early differentiation between primary RP (functional, not disease associated), and secondary RP (disease associated). Other major NVC patterns have been described in the field of rheumatic diseases. Interestingly, correlations are evident between the NCV and the clinical symptoms, severity of the disease and the laboratory findings. Further clinical and epidemiological studies, as well as a standardized and computerized quantitation of the observed damages are required.

White matter hyperintensities on brain magnetic resonance in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the brain status of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Fourteen female patients with SSc aged 24-74, with a disease duration of 1-12 years and without other relevant systemic diseases, were enrolled. All patients and an age matched female control group (CG) of 14 clinically normal subjects, underwent brain magnetic resonance examination at 1.5 T; spin echo proton density weighted images were evaluated. Mann-Whitney U and Spearman rank correlation tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

170 white matter hyperintensities >/=2 mm in diameter were counted in the patient group (range 0-75, mean 12.1, median 4.5), only 13 in the CG (0-2, 0.9, 1, respectively), with a significant difference (p = 0.011). Moreover, 208 white matter hyperintensities <2 mm were found in the patient group (0-38, 14.9, 8, respectively), only 31 in the CG (0-7, 2.0, 1, respectively), with a significant difference (p = 0.006). No statistically significant correlation between the number of hyperintensities and either patient's age or disease duration was observed.

CONCLUSION

White matter hyperintensities are more common in patients with SSc than in a CG. These findings might be related to obliterative microvascular processes due to the disease. Early brain involvement in patients with SSc may occur.

Blink reflex discloses CNS dysfunction in neurologically asymptomatic patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate trigeminal-nerve, brain-stem, and brain function, in order to disclose a possible nervous system involvement in neurologically asymptomatic systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

METHODS

Using a standard electromyographic (EMG) technique, we recorded the early (R1) and late (R2) components of the blink reflex in 35 SSc patients with no history or signs of cranial-nerve impairment and 20 control subjects. SSc patients were classified as limited or diffuse SSc and also evaluated for disease duration, autoantibody pattern (ANA, ACA, Scl70) and skin score (by Rodnan modified method).

RESULTS

Whereas no SSc patients had an abnormal R1, six (18%) had delayed R2 responses. We found no correlation between R2 latency and clinical or laboratory data.

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas previous studies reported both R1 and R2 abnormalities (reasonably due to trigeminal neuropathy) in symptomatic SSc patients, we found selective abnormalities of the R2 components in asymptomatic patients. The selective R2 abnormality is secondary to a central dysfunction, either because of a direct impairment of the polysynaptic circuits in the medulla, or because of a decreased cortico-reticular drive on these circuits. The lack of overt trigeminal symptoms in our patients favours a suprasegmental dysfunction, possibly due to microvascular lesions disseminated in the subcortical white matter.

Nailfold videocapillaroscopic patterns and serum autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Microvascular lesions are a predominant feature in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and seem to play a central pathogenetic role. Recently, we graded scleroderma microangiopathy by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) into three NVC patterns (early, active and late). The aim of the present study was to confirm, in a larger number of SSc patients, the presence of three patterns of microvascular damage, and to detect any possible relationship between these patterns and both specific serum autoantibodies and the subsets of cutaneous involvement.

METHODS

Two hundred and forty-one consecutive patients (227 women and 14 men) affected by SSc were recruited. One hundred and forty-eight patients were affected by limited cutaneous SSc (lSSc) and 93 patients by diffuse cutaneous SSc (dSSc). The ages at onset of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and SSc, the durations of RP and SSc, ANA and antitopoisomerase I (anti-Scl70) and anticentromere (ACA) antibodies were investigated in all patients. The SSc patients were subdivided on the basis of the NVC pattern into three groups.

RESULTS

A statistically significant correlation was found between the NVC patterns and the durations of both RP and SSc (P<0.001). Enlarged and giant capillaries, together with haemorrhages, constituted the earliest NVC finding in SSc (early NVC pattern). These abnormalities were mostly expressed in the active NVC pattern. Loss of capillaries, ramified capillaries and vascular architectural disorganization were increased in the late NVC pattern. Age and the duration of both RP and SSc were lower in 24 patients complaining of RP alone. Anti-Scl70 antibodies were statistically less frequent in the early vs both the active and the late NVC pattern, whereas no significant correlation was found between the presence of anti-Scl70 antibodies and the duration of either RP or SSc. ACA positivity was more frequent in patients with longer RP duration. Patients with lSSc had shorter SSc duration and showed the early or active NVC pattern more frequently. Conversely, patients with dSSc showed longer disease duration and mostly showed the late NVC pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

NVC is an appropriate tool for differential diagnosis between primary and secondary RP through the clear recognition of the early NVC scleroderma pattern. This study confirms, in a large number of SSc patients, the existence of three distinct NVC patterns that might reflect the evolution of SSc microangiopathy. The presence of anti-Scl70 antibodies seems be related to earlier expression of the active and late NVC patterns of SSc microvascular damage. The presence of ACA seems to be related to delayed expression of the late NVC pattern.

Retinal findings in systemic sclerosis: a comparison with nailfold capillaroscopic patterns

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of retinal disease in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to characterise the findings of retinopathy. Additionally, to analyse the association of retinal disease with other clinical/laboratory findings, particularly the findings of nailfold capillaries in patients with SSc.

METHODS

Photographs of the ocular fundi were taken and were evaluated by an ophthalmologist who was unaware of the SSc status of the patients. The nailfold capillaries were analysed with a dermatoscope. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (group A) or absence (group B) of retinal disease.

RESULTS

Retinal findings of the patients with SSc consisted of hard exudates, vascular tortuosity, microhaemorrhage, and macular degeneration. The prevalence of retinal disease among the patients with SSc was 34% (10/29), compared with 8%(3/38) among the controls (p=0.011). The mean systolic blood pressure and the age of the patients in group A were significantly higher than those in group B. However, there was no significant difference in the nailfold capillary damage between groups A and B.

CONCLUSION

Retinal abnormalities are often seen in patients with SSc and they may reflect the vascular changes characteristic of SSc. However, retinal changes may differ in quality from the changes of nailfold capillaries.