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Echocardiography in systemic lupus erythematosus
S Kalke1, C Balakrishanan, G Mangat
1Rheumatology Division, P.D. Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India.
Lupus
|December 24, 1998
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients often exhibit asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction, particularly those with active disease. Echocardiography revealed significant diastolic abnormalities in active SLE, highlighting the need for cardiac monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with potential multi-organ involvement.
- Cardiac complications are common in SLE, but subclinical dysfunction is not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of cardiac involvement, specifically diastolic dysfunction, in patients with SLE.
- To assess the relationship between disease activity and diastolic function in SLE patients.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler examination was performed in 54 SLE patients.
- Diastolic function was assessed in 45 patients without major echocardiographic abnormalities.
- Patients were categorized by SLE disease activity (SLEDAI) and compared to controls.
Main Results:
- 17% of SLE patients had significant cardiac abnormalities.
- Patients with active SLE (SLEDAI > 5) demonstrated significant diastolic dysfunction compared to inactive patients and controls (increased peak A, decreased E/A ratio).
- No linear correlation was found between SLEDAI as a continuous variable and diastolic dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction is prevalent in SLE patients.
- Active SLE disease is associated with significant diastolic dysfunction.
- Echocardiography is crucial for detecting subclinical cardiac involvement in SLE.