Related Experiment Videos
Non-invasive cardiac evaluation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
J K Wranicz1, I Cygankiewicz, M Zielinska
1Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Medical University of Lódź, Poland.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients show reduced heart rate variability and increased tachycardia compared to healthy individuals. Cardiovascular manifestations are common in SLE patients, especially those with antiphospholipid antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with potential multi-organ involvement.
- Cardiac complications are a significant concern in SLE patients, impacting morbidity and mortality.
- Non-invasive cardiac assessment is crucial for early detection and management of cardiovascular dysfunction in SLE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cardiac function non-invasively in patients with SLE.
- To compare cardiac parameters between SLE patients and healthy controls.
- To identify specific cardiac abnormalities associated with SLE.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 36 SLE patients and 35 healthy controls underwent standard ECG, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and transthoracic echocardiography.
- Heart rate variability (HRV), late ventricular potentials, and tachycardia were assessed.
- Echocardiography evaluated cardiac dimensions, left ventricular systolic function, and valvular integrity.
Main Results:
- SLE patients exhibited significantly lower mean HRV and a tendency towards tachycardia compared to controls.
- Late ventricular potentials were more prevalent in SLE patients.
- Valvular lesions were observed in 15 SLE patients, with 5 showing insignificant mitral or aortic regurgitation.
- Abnormal left ventricular filling patterns were noted in 3 SLE patients.
- All SLE patients with antiphospholipid antibodies presented with cardiovascular manifestations.
Conclusions:
- SLE is associated with autonomic dysfunction, evidenced by reduced HRV and increased tachycardia.
- While significant valvular lesions and systolic dysfunction were uncommon, subtle diastolic abnormalities can occur.
- Cardiovascular manifestations are nearly universal in SLE patients with antiphospholipid antibodies, highlighting the need for vigilant cardiac monitoring.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was non-invasive assessment of cardiac function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a group of 36 patients with SLE transthoracic echocardiography, standard ECG and the 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring were performed and the results were compared to a control group of 35 healthy volunteers. Significantly lower mean values of heart rate variability (HRV), the presence of late ventricular potentials and tendency to tachycardia were detected in SLE patients when compared to the control group. On echocardiography examination valvular lesions were found in 15 SLE patients but only in 5 of them were insignificant mitral or aortic regurgitant jets observed. Echocardiography did not reveal abnormalities in cardiac dimensions and left ventricle systolic function. Abnormal indexes of left ventricular filling were found in 3 patients. All SLE patients with antiphospholipid antibodies had some cardiovascular manifestation.