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Published on: June 16, 2020
Pericardial Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Spectrum and Potential Modifying Factors
Mislav Radić1,2, Petra Šimac Prižmić1, Tina Bečić3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Center of Excellence for Systemic Sclerosis in Croatia, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Pericardial involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) reflects inflammation and can range from mild effusions to severe tamponade. The role of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in lupus pericarditis requires further investigation due to limited and inconsistent data.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pericardial disease is a common cardiac manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- The impact of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) on lupus-related pericardial disease is not well understood.
- Manifestations range from pericarditis and effusion to cardiac tamponade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on pericardial involvement in adult SLE patients.
- To evaluate the potential influence of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) on lupus pericarditis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Searched major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library) for observational studies.
- Included studies evaluating pericardial manifestations in adult SLE patients, considering APS/aPL status.
Main Results:
- Seven observational studies were included, detailing diverse pericardial presentations.
- Pericardial involvement correlated with higher SLE disease activity and immune activation.
- Recurrent pericarditis indicated more severe disease; cardiac tamponade was rare but severe.
- Data on APS/aPL influence were heterogeneous, precluding a consistent association.
Conclusions:
- Pericardial disease in SLE signifies systemic inflammation and varies clinically.
- Limited and inconsistent evidence exists regarding APS's role in lupus pericarditis.
- Further prospective studies with standardized definitions are needed to clarify APS's impact.
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