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Multiple coronary aneurysms in a case of systemic lupus erythematosus
A H Matayoshi1, M R Dhond, L J Laslett
1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause rare coronary artery aneurysms. This case presents extensive aneurysmal dilation involving all three major coronary arteries, a finding not previously reported in SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Cardiac involvement in SLE can range from pericarditis to myocarditis and coronary artery disease.
- Coronary artery aneurysms are uncommon but recognized complications in patients with SLE.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old woman with active SLE presented with an anterior myocardial infarction.
- Coronary angiography revealed multiple, diffuse aneurysms affecting all three major coronary arteries: the left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries.
- This extensive aneurysmal involvement represents a unique angiographic finding.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation highlights a rare and severe manifestation of cardiovascular involvement in SLE.
- The diffuse, multi-vessel coronary artery aneurysms observed are unprecedented in the reported literature for SLE.
- This case expands the spectrum of known cardiac complications associated with active SLE.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering coronary artery aneurysms in SLE patients presenting with myocardial infarction.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis of extensive coronary aneurysms in SLE.
- Early recognition and management strategies for this rare complication may improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
A 29-year-old woman with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sustained an anterior myocardial infarction and demonstrated angiographic evidence of multiple, diffuse coronary aneurysms. Coronary artery aneurysms have been reported in 11 prior cases of patients with SLE. A Medline search of the literature revealed no prior reports of extensive aneurysmal dilatations involving all three main coronary arteries (left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries).
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