Cardiac involvement in the adult primary vasculitides

Giulia Pazzola1, Nicolò Pipitone1, Carlo Salvarani1

  • 1Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia e Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia , Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Insights

Heart involvement in vasculitis is rare but serious, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and management. Early immunosuppressive treatment and surgery can improve outcomes for patients with cardiac disease in vasculitis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Heart involvement in vasculitis, though infrequent, poses significant risks.
  • Diagnosing cardiac disease in vasculitis requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on cardiac manifestations of vasculitis.
  • To highlight the importance of a collaborative approach in managing heart disease in vasculitis.

Main Methods:

  • A literature search was conducted using PubMed.
  • Keywords included 'heart' and 'vasculitis'.

Main Results:

  • Any form of vasculitis can impact the heart.
  • Cardiac involvement is more prevalent in Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
  • Treatment strategies include immunosuppression and surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of cardiac vasculitis relies on integrated care from Rheumatologists, Radiologists, Cardiologists, and Heart Surgeons.
  • Timely immunosuppressive therapy and surgical options can enhance patient prognosis.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
232
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
288
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis 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...
226
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy 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...
235
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
213
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
94