Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Valvular heart disease associated with systemic lupus erythematosus - the Tygerberg Hospital experience

K. Pont, M. M. Pretorius, A. F. Doubell

    Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa : Official Journal for Southern Africa Cardiac Society [And] South African Society of Cardiac Practitioners
    |July 12, 2001
    PubMed

    Insights

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently causes valvular heart disease, with thickening being most common. However, significant valvular dysfunction is rare in SLE patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Rheumatology
    • Internal Medicine

    Background:

    • Valvular heart disease is a significant cardiac complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
    • Understanding the prevalence of cardiac involvement in SLE is crucial for patient management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and characteristics of valvular heart disease in patients with SLE.
    • To compare echocardiographic findings in SLE patients with a healthy control group.

    Main Methods:

    • Clinical assessment, electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and laboratory tests were conducted on 24 SLE patients.
    • Echocardiographic results were compared to those of 10 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers.

    Main Results:

    • No SLE patients reported cardiac symptoms.
    • Valvular abnormalities were common in SLE patients, with valvular thickening (over 50%) being the most prevalent finding.
    • Mitral regurgitation and pericardial effusions were observed in 12.5% of SLE patients, while uncommon in controls.

    Conclusions:

    • Valvular heart disease is a frequent finding in patients with SLE.
    • Despite common abnormalities, hemodynamically significant valvular dysfunction is rare in this population.

    Related Concept Videos

    Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

    Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

    Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
    Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

    Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

    The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
    Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

    Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

    Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
    Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

    Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

    AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
    Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

    Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

    Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
    Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

    Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

    IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...