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Systemic lupus erythematosus: calciphylaxis induced cardiomyopathy
The Journal of Rheumatology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Calciphylaxis, a rare condition, can mimic cardiovascular symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Differentiating calciphylaxis from SLE is crucial as treatments for SLE may worsen calciphylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic renal failure (CRF) can present with complex cardiovascular manifestations.
- Diabetes mellitus is a common comorbidity in patients with CRF and SLE.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old woman with SLE, diabetes, and CRF developed digital ischemia, myocardial dysfunction, ECG abnormalities, and elevated CPK.
- Vascular calcification was noted radiographically, but coronary angiography was normal.
- Endomyocardial biopsy revealed myocardial calcification without vasculitis or myocarditis.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with calciphylaxis secondary to hyperparathyroidism.
- Calciphylaxis presented with cardiovascular symptoms typically associated with SLE.
Implications:
- Calciphylaxis can mimic cardiovascular SLE, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.
- Prompt differentiation is vital as SLE treatments may exacerbate calciphylaxis, highlighting the need for tailored management strategies.