Cardiac findings of reactive arthritis: an observational echocardiographic study

The aim of this study was to assess echocardiographically the occurrence of cardiac abnormalities in patients with acute reactive arthritis (ReA). Eighteen consecutive adult patients with acute ReA were studied by the use of two-dimensionally guided M-mode and Doppler echocardiography. Aortic or mitral regurgitation were both detected in one of the patients. Mild to moderate left ventricular dilatation was observed in five patients, in four of whom the duration of acute ReA was over 6 months. In four patients, the ratio of peak early and peak late transmitral filling velocities was decreased. No patient had echocardiographic signs of myocarditis or pericardial effusion. In conclusion, no major structural cardiac alterations were detected. Mild valvular disease or mild to moderate left ventricular dilatation was observed in a quarter of the patients. Echocardiographic evaluation may be warranted if the acute ReA persists or has a prolonged course but is not recommended for routine use.