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Incidence and predictors of aorta calcification in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

L Hu1, Z Chen2, Y Jin3

  • 11 Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China.

Lupus
|February 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus patients show high rates of artery calcification, particularly in the aorta. Conditions like serositis and pneumonia increase this risk, highlighting the need for early detection and management in SLE patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Rheumatology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Artery calcification, a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with accelerated atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and identify risk factors for artery calcification in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 641 SLE patients, collecting demographic, clinical, and laboratory data.
  • Artery calcification was quantified using the Agatston Score method from multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans.

Main Results:

  • Overall artery calcification incidence was 25.9%, with aorta calcification at 23.1% and coronary artery calcification at 8.4%.
  • Longer disease duration, presence of serositis, pneumonia, and higher SLEDAI scores were linked to aorta calcification.
  • Corticosteroid use and cyclophosphamide therapy were associated with coronary artery calcification.

Conclusions:

  • SLE patients exhibit a higher incidence and earlier onset of aorta calcification compared to coronary artery calcification.
  • Serositis, pneumonia, and elevated SLEDAI scores are potential predictors of aorta calcification in SLE.
  • These findings underscore the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in SLE patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
Aortic artery calciumcoronary artery calcificationmulti-detector computed tomographysystemic lupus erythematosus

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