[Analysis for clinical features of cardiovascular complication of diffuse connective tissue disease]

Xiao-li Deng1, Xiang-yuan Liu, Jin-xia Zhao

  • 1Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.

Insights

Cardiovascular complications are common in diffuse connective tissue diseases (dCTD), particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These conditions, including hypertension and coronary artery disease, lead to a poor prognosis, with SLE patients experiencing earlier onset.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Context:

  • Diffuse connective tissue diseases (dCTD) significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are the most prevalent dCTDs associated with cardiovascular disease requiring hospitalization.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of cardiovascular complications in patients with dCTD.
  • To compare cardiovascular disease manifestations between RA and SLE subsets within the dCTD cohort.

Summary:

  • Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease are the most frequent cardiovascular complications in dCTD patients.
  • Common echocardiographic findings include valvular regurgitation, diastolic dysfunction, left atrial enlargement, pulmonary hypertension, and pericardial effusion.
  • SLE patients exhibit a younger age of onset for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and hyperlipidemia compared to RA patients.

Impact:

  • The study highlights the poor prognosis for dCTD patients with cardiovascular complications.
  • Early onset of cardiovascular diseases in SLE patients underscores the need for tailored monitoring and management strategies.
Abstract

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