Analysis of white matter lesions in patients with systemic sclerosis, correlations with clinical manifestations and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

• Grant number: 15/18101-3
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal researcher: Simone Appenzeller
• Grantee: Fernando de Lima Carioca
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease, multisystemic and affects the connective tissue. It is characterized by the occurrence of dermal fibrosis and sclerosis, with a possible involvement of various organs. Its pathogenicity arises from three basic factors: autoimmune responses, endothelial changes and dysfunction in fibroblasts, which causes changes in the extracellular matrix. Among the symptoms and damage have cutaneous fibrosis; Raynaud's phenomenon; musculoskeletal/gastrointestinal/pulmonary/kidney/others affections. The SSc is associated with a life expectancy decreased and drop in quality it, with frequent cases of depression. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) remains little studied, with a some research indicating their involvement in disease. In the image of magnetic resonances (MRI), the main suggestive finding is the involvement of white matter, suggestive of vasculopathy. Clinical manifestations related to these injuries can occur, although many patients are asymptomatic. This study aims to analyze the cerebral involvement in patients with SSc, through MRI of patients, correlating with clinical manifestations such as depression, anxiety and cognitive disorders. It also aims to examine the relationship between patients with lesions in the CNS and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.