Cardiovascular Imaging Techniques in Systemic Rheumatic Diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Patients with systemic rheumatic diseases exhibit a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality compared to the general population.
• Cardiovascular involvement in these patients is diverse, affecting multiple heart structures, but early diagnosis and prompt treatment are now feasible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging diagnostic methods for evaluating cardiovascular involvement in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases.
• To highlight the diagnostic accuracy of newer imaging modalities.

Main Methods:

• Transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography, MRI, and CT for valve abnormalities, pericardial disease, and ventricular function.
• Coronary artery diameter assessment via quantitative coronarography or intravascular ultrasound.
• Coronary flow reserve and peripheral circulation evaluation using various non-invasive and invasive imaging and measurement techniques, including ultrasonography (US), MRI, CT, PET, and strain-gauge plethysmography.

Main Results:

• Established imaging techniques reliably detect CV involvement in rheumatic diseases.
• Speckle tracking echocardiography and 3-dimensional US represent recent advancements offering superior diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment is crucial for patients with systemic rheumatic diseases.
• Emerging technologies like speckle tracking echocardiography and 3D US enhance the early and accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular complications in this patient group.