However, consistent with an inflammatory component, SVD-related PVS are associated with raised plasma markers of inflammation in healthy older subjects.5 Also, C-reactive protein (CRP), a common plasma marker of inflammation, was associated with lacunar infarcts in a recent large (n=519) study, independent of age and vascular risk factors.6 Thus, factors that contribute to endothelial damage, such as immune complex formation and complement activation/deposition, and occur in SLE might trigger cerebrovascular inflammation in SLE. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.