Cardiac Involvement in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are autoimmune disorders affecting skeletal muscle and other organs.
• Cardiac involvement is common in IIMs, though often subclinical, impacting prognosis and mortality.
• Understanding cardiac involvement is vital for comprehensive IIM patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathology, prevalence, biomarkers, imaging, and treatment of cardiac involvement in IIMs.
• To highlight the importance of early detection and management strategies for cardiac complications in IIM patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on pathology, prevalence, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches for cardiac involvement in IIMs.
• Analysis of serum cardiac biomarkers, including cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT).
• Evaluation of diagnostic imaging modalities such as electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ECHO), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

Main Results:

• Cardiac involvement in IIMs ranges from 4% to 26% and is frequently subclinical.
• Cardiac complications significantly worsen prognosis and are a leading cause of mortality in IIM patients.
• Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a preferred biomarker for early detection over cTnT.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of cardiac involvement in IIMs is critical for patient outcomes.
• A combination of biomarkers, imaging, and appropriate treatment is essential for managing cardiac issues in IIMs.
• Integrated management involving immunosuppressants and cardiac medications improves outcomes for IIM patients with cardiac involvement.