Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 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

[Cardiac involvement in connective tissue disease: the example of systemic lupus erythematosus]

S Chappuis1, P Vogt, S Petitpierre

  • 1Service d'immunologie et d'allergie, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. samuel.chappuis@chuv.ch

Revue Medicale Suisse
|May 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause various cardiac issues beyond pericarditis, including heart valve problems and increased cardiovascular risks. This study evaluates their clinical significance and recommends appropriate patient management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Cardiac involvement in SLE is often underestimated, with pericarditis being the most recognized complication.

Observation:

  • While pericarditis is common, other cardiac affections in SLE patients are frequently overlooked.
  • These include significant heart valve involvements and elevated risks for major cardiovascular events.

Findings:

  • The study aims to determine the clinical significance of these diverse cardiac manifestations in SLE.
  • It also seeks to establish whether specific follow-up, treatment, or support protocols are necessary for these patients.

Implications:

  • Findings will guide clinicians in managing cardiac complications in SLE patients.
  • Recommendations will improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely and appropriate cardiovascular care.

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...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Introduction to Connective Tissues01:11

Introduction to Connective Tissues

Connective tissues are one of the four main tissue types in humans that are extensively present in the body. They are characterized by cells embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of a ground substance and three main types of protein fibers— collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers. The ground substance of connective tissues can range from a watery and jelly-like consistency to mineralized and hard. The wide variety of cells in the connective tissues include fibroblasts, osteocytes,...
Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...