Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
12:24
Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiac Abnormalities in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis by Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Imaging in the Mouse
Published on: June 20, 2014
Cardiological features in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Chiara Bazzani1, Ilaria Cavazzana, Angela Ceribelli
1Rheumatology Unit, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.
Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|July 14, 2010
Summary
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) can affect the heart, leading to serious cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis and monitoring of cardiac involvement are crucial for managing these autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are autoimmune diseases causing muscle weakness.
- Common IIMs like polymyositis and dermatomyositis present with diverse symptoms beyond muscle inflammation.
- Cardiac involvement is an increasingly recognized, significant manifestation in IIM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of cardiac manifestations in IIMs.
- To highlight the importance of cardiovascular assessment in IIM patients.
- To discuss diagnostic tools and the role of autoantibodies in cardiac involvement.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cardiac manifestations in IIMs.
- Analysis of clinical data and diagnostic approaches.
- Discussion of the pathophysiology linking inflammation to cardiac damage.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular complications are a leading cause of mortality in IIMs.
- Asymptomatic cardiac abnormalities are frequent, including ECG changes, valve disease, and myocarditis.
- Chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular changes contribute to cardiac pathology.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac involvement is a critical aspect of IIM management.
- Multiorgan assessment and autoantibody analysis are essential for prognosis.
- Electrocardiography, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI are key diagnostic tools.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Myocarditis 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...
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
01:29Cardiomyopathy 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...
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
01:19Pericarditis 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...