Although positive associations were found in small clustersscattered throughout the brain, wide clusters located in regions ofcoalescence between periventricular and deep WMH and in temporo-parietalregions showed stronger associations between WMH and markers of clinicaldisease severity (SLICC and lupus duration) and vascular risk factors(smoking status, hypertension (y/n), homocysteine, total cholesterol andanticardiolipin IgG and IgM). The gene discussed is CD40LG; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.