Bibliogr. s. 14-15

Background: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic connective tissue disease, characterized by vascular changes, accompanied by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are considered rare in these patients. Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate frequency of morphological brain abnormalities in those patients with systemic sclerosis, who demonstrate no clinical symptoms of central nervous system involvement. Material/Methods: 24 patients with systemic sclerosis, who had no neurological or psychiatric abnormalities were included into the study. In all patients brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Fluidattenuated inversion-recovery and fast spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging sequences were used. Results: In 37% (9/24) of these patients brain magnetic resonance images revealed abnormalities. These included: cortical and subcortical atrophy (4/24), single focal lesions (5/24) or diffuse lesions (2/24). In 3 patients simultaneous presence of more then one of these abnormalities was detected. Brain computer tomography revealed abnormalities in 2/24 (8%) of patients. Conclusions: Our results indicate, that the central nervous system may be involved in systemic sclerosis despite lack of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging allows early detection of these abnormalities. We suggest to perform brain magnetic resonance in all patients of systemic sclerosis before introducing treatment.