Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Detects Myocardial Inflammation in Giant Cell Arteritis

Sophie I Mavrogeni1,2, Athanasios Koutroumpas3

  • 1Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece.

Insights

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can affect the heart, causing myocardial inflammation and reduced heart function. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan alongside anti-rheumatic drugs improved cardiac function and inflammation in a GCA patient.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis.
  • Cardiac involvement in GCA can lead to significant morbidity.
  • Myocardial inflammation and reduced biventricular function are potential cardiac manifestations of GCA.

Observation:

  • A patient with diagnosed GCA presented with myocardial inflammation.
  • Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was utilized for diagnosis.
  • Reduced biventricular ejection fraction was noted on initial CMR.

Findings:

  • The patient received treatment with sacubitril/valsartan concurrently with anti-rheumatic medications.
  • Post-treatment CMR demonstrated improvement in biventricular function.
  • Myocardial inflammation resolved following the combined therapeutic approach.

Implications:

  • Sacubitril/valsartan may be a beneficial therapeutic option for cardiac involvement in GCA.
  • CMR is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac manifestations of GCA.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to improved cardiac outcomes in GCA patients.

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
153
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
38
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...
101
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...
52
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
71
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
78