Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Cardiac manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus
Jonathan J Miner1, Alfred H J Kim
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8045, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently affects the heart, causing conditions like myocarditis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Identifying genetic factors may help predict cardiac risks in SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
Background:
- The heart is a common target organ in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
- Cardiac manifestations include pericarditis, myocarditis, coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular disease, and conduction abnormalities.
- CAD is a significant cause of mortality in SLE, particularly in older adults and those with long-standing disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the pathogenesis of cardiac involvement in SLE.
- To identify predictors for cardiac manifestations in SLE patients.
- To investigate the role of genetic factors in SLE-related cardiac disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on cardiac manifestations in SLE.
- Analysis of recent advancements in basic science and translational research.
- Focus on identifying genetic mutations associated with SLE and cardiac involvement.
Main Results:
- SLE can affect all heart structures, including pericardium, myocardium, coronary arteries, valves, and conduction system.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasingly recognized as a major cause of mortality in SLE patients.
- Current methods for predicting cardiac risk in SLE are limited.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the pathogenesis of cardiac SLE is crucial.
- Identifying specific genetic factors associated with SLE may enable risk stratification for cardiac manifestations.
- Future research focusing on genetic underpinnings could lead to personalized risk prediction and management strategies for cardiac involvement in SLE.
Abstract:
The heart is one of the most frequently affected organs in SLE. Any part of the heart can be affected, including the pericardium, myocardium, coronary arteries, valves, and the conduction system. In addition to pericarditis and myocarditis, a high incidence of CAD has become increasingly recognized as a cause of mortality, especially in older adult patients and those with long-standing SLE. Many unanswered questions remain in terms of understanding the pathogenesis of cardiac manifestations of SLE. It is not currently possible to predict the patients who are at greatest risk for the various types of cardiac involvement. However, with the rapid advancement of basic science and translational research approaches, it is now becoming easier to identify specific mutations associated with SLE. A better understanding of these genetic factors may eventually allow clinicians to categorize and predict the patients who are at risk for specific cardiac manifestations of SLE.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
01:26Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management