Cardiac Involvement in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

background: The aim this study was to analyze the patterns of involvement of the heart in our patients with SLE by means of clinical evaluation, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. Methods: Forty six consecutive patients (40 females and 6 males) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were studied for cardiac manifestations of the disease. Clinical history, physical examination, electrocardiography, chest X ray ,echocardiography study and standard laboratory tests were performed .Thirty three patients (72%) have evidence of cardiac involvement . Results: Thirty one patients (67%) were found to have abnormal echocardiography findings. Reduction in shortening fraction which reflects reduction in left ventricular function was the commonest abnormality. It was present in 15 patients (33%). Endocardial involvement in form of valvular dysfunction with or with out thickening was found in 10 patients (22%).Conclusion: The heart is a common target for systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, echocardiography should be performed periodically in SLE patients.