EEG Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

The medical records of 478 SLE patients were reviewed. Ninety-five patients (19.9%) with a history of seizures were identified. EEG reports were available on 62. EEGs were interpreted as normal in 8 (12.9%) and abnormal in 54 (87.1%). Abnormal EEGs were reviewed for the presence of unilateral and bilateral abnormalities. Left hemisphere abnormalities were identified in 43 (79.6%), right hemisphere abnormalities in 4 (7.4%), and bilateral abnormalities in 7 (13.0%) patients with SLE. Abnormalities included theta and delta slowing and sharp wave activity. In 32 of the 43 (74.4%) patients with left hemisphere abnormalities, the abnormalities were localized to the left temporal leads. These findings suggest selective damage to the left temporolimbic region in patients with SLE.