Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
04:44

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Published on: June 16, 2020

Pericarditis causing congestive heart failure as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Yasunori Inoue, Ryuko Anzawa, Yoshio Terao

    International Journal of Cardiology
    |June 1, 2007
    PubMed

    Insights

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) rarely presents initially as pericardial effusion causing congestive heart failure (CHF). Prednisolone treatment effectively resolved CHF and pericardial effusion in a patient with SLE.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Rheumatology
    • Internal Medicine

    Background:

    • Pericarditis is a frequent complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
    • Congestive heart failure (CHF) as an initial presentation of SLE due to pericarditis is uncommon.

    Observation:

    • A case study involving a patient whose primary manifestation of SLE was pericardial effusion leading to CHF.
    • The patient presented with symptoms indicative of significant cardiac compromise.

    Findings:

    • Treatment with prednisolone resulted in a marked reduction of pericardial effusion.
    • Doppler echocardiography confirmed improvement in left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.
    • Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels normalized post-treatment, indicating resolution of heart failure.

    Implications:

    • This case highlights the importance of considering SLE in patients presenting with unexplained pericardial effusion and CHF.
    • Early diagnosis and management of SLE-related cardiac complications can lead to favorable outcomes.
    • Prednisolone therapy is effective in managing SLE-induced pericarditis and associated heart failure.

    More Related Videos

    Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease07:27

    Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

    Published on: July 18, 2014

    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...
    Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

    Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

    Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
    Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

    Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

    Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
    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...
    Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

    Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

    Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
    Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

    Pericarditis I: Introduction

    Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...