cerebritis

inflammation of the cerebrum CT (ill-defined low density area with peripheral enhancement) and cannot reliably be distinguished from neoplasms. Causes 1. SLE (lupus cerebritis)- most common Mechanism(not clear) Circulating immune complexes. The immune complexes, which consist of DNA and anti-DNA, cause an inflammatory response as well as a disruption of the blood brain barrier. These circulating complexes have been found trapped in the highly vascular choroid plexus of SLE patients [7] upon autopsy. True vasculitis, however, is found only in about 10% of patients with cerebral lupus. Anti-neuronal antibodies. The three identified anti-neuronal antibodies postulated in CNS involvement are the lympho-cytotoxic antibodies (LCAs), which somehow react with brain tissue and interfere with the neuron's ability to respond. LCAs have a specific role and are found in both the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of lupus patients with cerebritis. These antibodies also correlate with cognitive and visual spatial defects. Second, the anti-neuronal membrane antibodies are targeted directly to neuronal antigens. They, too, are found in the serum of SLE patients with cerebritis. And third, the intracytoplasmic antibodies target the constituents of the neuron cells and they are found in [8] the CSF and serum. These antibodies are seen in 90% of SLE patients with psychosis. Antiphospholipid antibodies. The two antibodies implicated are anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant. Anticardiolipin antibodies attach to the endothelial lining of cells, causing endothelial damage, platelet [9] aggregation, inflammation, andfibrosis. Cytokine release. The final mechanism of lupus cerebritis involves the cytokines. The cytokines trigger edema, endothelial thickening, and infiltration of neutrophils in brain tissue. Two cytokines, [10] interferon alpha and interleukin-6, have been found in the CSF of SLE patients with psychosis.
[11]

In very rare cases, cerebritis may occur as a result of a Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.

2. infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms, enter the brain through the sinuses or as a result of trauma. passing over the bloodbrain barrier and entering the brain through the bloodstream Symptoms mild to severe headaches, seizures, vision problems, dizziness, behavior changes and even stroke. Severe lupus cerebritis symptoms include psychosis, dementia, peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, chorea Treatment Lupus is a condition with no known cure. Lupus cerebritis however is treated by suppressing the [12] autoimmune activity. When it is caused by infections, treatment consists of medication that will primarily cure the infection. For inflammation,steroids can be used to bring down the swelling. If the swelling appears to have increased to a dangerous level, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the brain. The formation of an abscess also calls for surgery as it will be necessary to drain the abscess.