Acute lupus myocarditis: Clinical features and outcome

Author(s)

Appenzeller, S. ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; Pineau, C. A. ^[4] ; Clarke, A. E. ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] State Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Fac Med Sci, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] McGill Univ, Div Clin Immunol Allergy, Ctr Hlth, Montreal, PQ H3A 2T5 - Canada

^[3] McGill Univ, Div Clin Epidemiol, Ctr Hlth, Montreal, PQ H3A 2T5 - Canada

^[4] McGill Univ, Div Rheumatol, Ctr Hlth, Montreal, PQ H3A 2T5 - Canada

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Lupus; v. 20, n. 9, p. 981-988, AUG 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 17

Abstract

Background: Cardiomyopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be secondary to myocardial inflammation (i.e. myocarditis) or to systemic complications such as hypertension. Symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction is the most common clinical presentation of cardiomyopathy and is potentially life threatening. Identifying the cause is critical as it dictates therapy. Methods: We present three cases of left ventricular failure suggestive of myocarditis in SLE patients followed in the Lupus Clinic of the Montreal General Hospital over a 5-year period. Results: The most frequent presentation is acute onset of a marked reduction of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). All patients were treated with cardiac support, prednisone, and additional immunosuppressive medications. Improvement of symptoms and LVEF was observed in two of three patients. Conclusion: Myocarditis is a rare, but life-threatening, manifestation of SLE. With immunosuppressive medications and cardiovascular support, the long-term outcome is usually favorable. Lupus (2011) 20, 981-988. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/06049-6 - Blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers associated with structural and functional central nervous system abnormalities in Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Grantee: Simone Appenzeller
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 08/02917-0 - Blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers associated with structural and functional central nervous system abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus
• Grantee: Simone Appenzeller
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants