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Left ventricular function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's disease
European Heart Journal
|May 1, 1984
Summary
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's disease show impaired left ventricular function. This myocardial abnormality may explain the increased cardiovascular risks associated with these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's disease are inflammatory conditions.
- These diseases are associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- The underlying cause of cardiovascular complications requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess left ventricular function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's disease.
- To compare cardiac function in these patient groups with healthy controls.
- To investigate potential myocardial involvement as a cause of cardiovascular disease in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Non-invasive methods were used to evaluate left ventricular function.
- Study included 28 patients with ankylosing spondylitis, 14 with Reiter's disease, and 42 normal subjects.
- Systolic time intervals were analyzed to assess cardiac performance.
Main Results:
- Abnormal left ventricular function, including dilation and poor contraction, was observed in 18% of ankylosing spondylitis patients.
- 14% of Reiter's disease patients exhibited similar left ventricular abnormalities.
- These cardiac findings occurred in the absence of apparent valve disease.
Conclusions:
- Myocardial dysfunction is present in a subset of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's disease.
- This subclinical cardiomyopathy may contribute to the elevated cardiovascular risk in these inflammatory diseases.
- Further research into myocardial involvement is warranted to guide cardiovascular care.
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