FDG-PET in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Psychiatric manifestations in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) are not uncommon, and they often pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is often without abnormalities. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) detects relative reductions in regional cerebral glucose metabolism, and has been suggested as a more sensitive diagnostic tool. We describe two cases of JSLE with CNS involvement and distinct psychiatric symptoms, in which FDG PET showed, marked metabolic disturbances that normalized with successful treatment.