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Role of cardiovascular imaging in systemic autoimmune diseases

Simona Sitia1, Luigi Gianturco, Livio Tomasoni

  • 1Simona Sitia, Luigi Gianturco, Livio Tomasoni, Maurizio Turiel, Cardiology Unit, Department of Health Technologies, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Università di Milano, 20161 Milan, Italy.

World Journal of Cardiology
|December 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Systemic autoimmune diseases increase cardiovascular risk. Early diagnosis using imaging and biomarkers is crucial for managing silent heart issues and improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) present higher cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality.
  • Chronic inflammation in SADs drives endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
  • Silent CV involvement necessitates early detection for better prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review diagnostic tools for screening and follow-up of CV involvement in SADs.
  • To highlight the role of CV imaging and biomarkers in early diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current diagnostic modalities for CV assessment in SADs.
  • Focus on transthoracic echocardiography and its advanced applications.
  • Inclusion of biomarkers like asymmetric dimethylarginine and nuclear medicine.

Main Results:

  • Transthoracic echocardiography is a first-line evaluation tool.
  • Biomarkers complement imaging in assessing endothelial dysfunction.
  • Nuclear medicine aids in evaluating myocardial perfusion.

Conclusions:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic strategies are essential for managing CV risk in SADs.
  • Integrating imaging and biomarkers improves early detection and patient management.
  • Timely intervention based on diagnostic findings can enhance long-term prognosis.

Keywords:
Cardiac magnetic resonanceCardiovascular involvementComputed tomographyCoronary angiographyCoronary flow reserveEchocardiographyRheumatoid arthritisSpeckle trackingSystemic autoimmune disease

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