Coronary artery angiography in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with abnormal myocardial perfusion scintigraphy

Advanced Echocardiography Techniques: The Future Stethoscope of Systemic Diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been showing patterns of extensive rise in prevalence in the contemporary era, affecting the quality of life of millions of people and leading the causes of death worldwide. It has been a provocative challenge for modern medicine to diagnose CVD in its crib, owing to its etiological factors being attributed to a large array of systemic diseases, as well as its non-binary hideous nature that gradually leads to functional disability. Novel echocardiography techniques have enabled the cardiac ultrasound to provide a comprehensive analysis of the heart in an objective, feasible, time- and cost-effective manner. Speckle tracking echocardiography, contrast echocardiography, and 3D echocardiography have shown the highest potential for widespread use. The uses of novel modalities have been elaborately demonstrated in this study as a proof of concept that echocardiography has a place in routine general practice with supportive evidence being as recent as its role in the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic. Despite such evidence, many uses remain off-label and unexploited in practice. Generalization of echocardiography at the point of care can become a much-needed turning point in the clinical approach to case management. To actualize such aspirations, we recommend further prospective and interventional studies to examine the effect of implementing advanced techniques at the point of care on the decision-making process and evaluate their effectiveness in prevention of cardiovascular morbidities and mortalities.

Asymptomatic coronary artery disease assessed by coronary computed tomography in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by coronary computed tomography (CT) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been investigated in several studies, but with conflicting results. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was synthesize the evidence on this topic.

METHODS

The relevant literature was identified and evaluated from inception until January 2021 in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane library. Studies reporting coronary artery calcification (CAC), and its prevalence and extent using the coronary calcium score (CCS) were included. Data extracted from eligible studies were used to calculate effect estimates (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95%CI.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies were eligible for inclusion. For the CAC prevalence, 11 studies were included (918 SLE patients and 3952 controls) and the pooled prevalence for the random effect was 29.8% (95%CI 25.7-32.9%) for SLE patients and 11.8% (95%CI 16.2-20.4%) in controls (RR 2.22, 95%CI 1.42 to 3.48; p= 0.0005) and no significant increase in the WMD for CCS (MD= 0.32, 95%CI -5.55 to 6.20, p= 0.91) compared with controls in seven studies. Greater organ damage and glucocorticoid use has been associated with a higher CCS. According to two studies, the coronary CT angiography calcified and non-calcified plaque burden were increased in SLE patients compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In SLE, asymptomatic CAD by CAC is more prevalent and there is more multivessel disease compared with controls without lupus. However, the extent of CAC was not increased in SLE patients.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021228710.

Myocardial infarctions, subtypes and coronary atherosclerosis in SLE: a case-control study

Objective

Patients with SLE have increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Few studies have investigated the characteristics of SLE-related MIs. We compared characteristics of and risk factors for MI between SLE patients with MI (MI-SLE), MI patients without SLE (MI-non-SLE) and SLE patients without MI (non-MI-SLE) to understand underlying mechanisms.

Methods

We identified patients with a first-time MI in the Karolinska SLE cohort. These patients were individually matched for age and gender with MI-non-SLE and non-MI-SLE controls in a ratio of 1:1:1. Retrospective medical file review was performed. Paired statistics were used as appropriate.

Results

Thirty-four MI-SLE patients (88% females) with a median age of 61 years were included. These patients had increased number of coronary arteries involved (p=0.04), and ≥50% coronary atherosclerosis/occlusion was numerically more common compared with MI-non-SLE controls (88% vs 66%; p=0.07). The left anterior descending artery was most commonly involved (73% vs 59%; p=0.11) and decreased (<50%) left ventricular ejection fraction occurred with similar frequency in MI-SLE and MI-non-SLE patients (45% vs 36%; p=0.79). Cardiovascular disease (44%, 5.9%, 12%; p<0.001) and coronary artery disease (32%, 2.9%, 0%; p<0.001), excluding MI, preceded MI/inclusion more commonly in MI-SLE than in MI-non-SLE and non-MI-SLE patients, respectively. MI-SLE patients had lower plasma albumin levels than non-MI-SLE patients (35 (29–37) vs 40 (37–42) g/L; p=0.002).

Conclusion

In the great majority of cases, MIs in SLE are associated with coronary atherosclerosis. Furthermore, MIs in SLE are commonly preceded by symptomatic vascular disease, calling for attentive surveillance of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors and early atheroprotective treatment.

Toll-like receptor 7-driven lupus autoimmunity induces hypertension and vascular alterations in mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) activation induces an increase in blood pressure and vascular damage in wild-type mice treated with the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ).

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice (7-9 week old) were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: an untreated control group and a group treated topically with IMQ (IMQ-treated) for 4 or 8 weeks. A group of IMQ-treated mice that take a combination of the antioxidants tempol and apocynin, and another treated IL-17-neutralizing antibody were also performed.

RESULTS

TLR7 activation gradually increased blood pressure, associated with elevated plasma levels of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and severe expansion of splenic immune cells with an imbalance between proinflammatory T cells and regulatory T cells. TLR7 activation induced a marked vascular remodeling in mesenteric arteries characterized by an increased media--lumen ratio (≈40%), and an impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in aortas from wild-type mice after 8 weeks of treatment. In addition, an increased ROS production, as a result of the upregulation of NADPH oxidase subunits, and an enhanced vascular inflammation were found in aortas from IMQ-treated mice. These functional and structural vascular alterations induced by IMQ were improved by antioxidant treatment. Anti-IL-17 treatment reduced blood pressure and improved endothelial dysfunction in IMQ-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that TLR7 activation induces the development of hypertension and vascular damage in BALB/c mice, and further underscore the increased vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, mediated in part by IL-17, as key factors contributing to cardiovascular complications in this TLR7-driven lupus autoimmunity model.

Impact of the new American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association definition of hypertension on atherosclerotic vascular events in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines defined hypertension at ≥130/80 mm Hg. Studies on patients with connective tissue diseases were not considered. Our aim was to assess the impact of this definition on atherosclerotic vascular events (AVEs) in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Patients methods

Individuals from the Toronto Lupus Clinic with at least 2 years of follow-up and no prior AVE were divided in three groups according to their mean blood pressure (BP) over that period (≥140/90 mm Hg, 130-139/80-89 mm Hg and <130/80 mm Hg). They were followed until the first occurrence of an AVE (fatal or non-fatal coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular event and peripheral vascular disease) or last visit. Groups were compared as per the baseline atherosclerotic risk factors. A multivariable time-dependent analysis was performed to adjust for the presence of other risk factors.

Results

Of 1532 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria, 155 (10.1%) had a BP ≥140/90 mm Hg, 316 (20.6%) 130–139/80–89 mm Hg and 1061 (69.3%) were normotensives. After a mean follow-up of 10.8 years, 124 AVEs were documented. The incidence rates were 18.9, 11.5 and 4.5 per 1000 patient-years for the three groups, respectively (p=0.0007 between the 130–139/80–89 mm Hg group and the normotensives). A mean BP of 130–139/80–89 mm Hg over the first 2 years was independently associated with the occurrence of AVEs (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.65, p=0.011).

Conclusion

Patients with lupus with a sustained mean BP of 130–139/80–89 mm Hg over 2 years had a significantly higher incidence of AVEs compared with normotensive individuals. This BP level should be the target for antihypertensive therapy to minimise their cardiovascular risk.

Myocardial Perfusion Abnormalities in Young and Premenopausal Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Detected with 99MTC MIBI Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy - Prevalence and Correlation with Proatherogenic Factors

INTRODUCTION

Atherosclerosis in young and premenopausal women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is frequent, premature and progressive. Although asymptomatic or with atypical clinical presentation, the patients are at high risk of cardiac events. Aim of this study is to estimate the risk profile for atherogenesis and the prevalence of myocardial perfusion abnormalities with 99mTc myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) in young and premenopausal women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty female patients, aged 30-72 years (divided into two subgroups - patients under 45 years of age and patients over 45 years), diagnosed with SLE for over of 5 years, in active phase of the disease were analyzed for disease activity scores (SLEDAI), the immunologic status of the disease (ANA and a-DNA antibodies in the serum), procoagulant tendency (antiphospholipid antibodies-APhL and lupus-anticoagulant-LAC), the activity of the inflammatory process (hsCRP), the anti-SLE therapeutic approach and the presence of traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis (BMI, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and familial history for the CAD). Using one-day Dipyridamol - Rest 99mTc SPECT Gated MPS SPECT the extent, severity and reversibility of myocardial perfusion abnormalities were estimated, along with summed scores at stress, rest and summed difference scores and left ventricle volumes and ejection fraction.

RESULTS

Abnormal MPS SPECT were detected in 27/60 or in 45% of patients, with one vessel affection of 66.7% (18/27pts) of LAD and 14.8% (4/27pts) o RCA and with two vessel disease of LAD/RCA in 2/27 pts (7.4%) and LAD/Cx in 3/27pts (11.1%). Myocardial perfusion abnormalities were equally prevalent in subgroups of patients younger than 45 years (44,4%) and in patients older than 45 years (45.5%) (ns). The subgroups did not differ significantly concerning the extent of perfusion abnormalities (9,8±3.2% of LV myocardial mass vs. 9,8±7.1%,ns), their severity (with predominance of mild perfusion defects, 48,6% vs. 51,3%,ns) and reversibility (reversible in 41.3% and 58.6%, ns). The differences between the summed scores of severity and the extent of ischemia in the two subgroups were statistically nonsignificant. Younger patients had significantly higher end-diastolic, end-systolic and stroke volumes during stress and rest conditions, compared to older patients (p<0,01) although there were no differences in systolic function, which was not affected in either of the groups as expressed threw ejection fraction. Although nonsignificant, younger patients had higher values of hsCRP and higher procoagulant activity (positive aPhL, LAC) while they were with more active disease activity, with higher SLEDAI score compared to older patients (p=0.028). Higher SLEDAI score and LV volumes, especially EDV at stress were identified as predictor of abnormal MPS in younger groups and more aggressive multidrug anti SLE treatment as predictor of normal MPS.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence and characteristics of myocardial perfusion abnormalities in young SLE are equal as the same in older SLE patients, which indicates the presence of premature, accelerated atherosclerosis in young cohort of patients with SLE. Younger SLE patients with pure disease control (higher SLEDAI score, less aggressive treatment, high hsCRP values and pronounced procoagulant tendency) should undergo screening for myocardial perfusion abnormalities s using 99mTc MIBI MPS).

Cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: A comprehensive update

Heightened rates of both cardiovascular (CV) events and subclinical atherosclerosis, documented by imaging and vascular function techniques are well established in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While traditional CV factors such as smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, central obesity and hyperhomocysteinemia have been reported to be prevalent in lupus patients, they do not fully explain the high rates of ischemic events so far reported, implying that other factors inherent to disease itself could account for the enhanced risk, including disease duration, activity and chronicity, psychosocial factors, medications, genetic variants and altered immunological mechanisms. Though the exact pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the setting of lupus remains ill defined, an imbalance between endothelial damage and atheroprotection seems to be a central event. Insults leading to endothelial damage in the setting of lupus include oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), autoantibodies against endothelial cells and phospholipids, type I interferons (IFN) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) directly or through activation of type I IFN pathway. Increased oxidative stress, reduced levels of the normally antioxidant high density lipoprotein (HDL), increased levels of proinflammatory HDL (piHDL) and reduced paraoxonase activity have been related to increased oxLDL levels. On the other hand, impaired atheroprotective mechanisms in lupus include decreased capacity of endothelial repair-partly mediated by type I IFN- and dampened production of atheroprotective autoantibodies. In the present review, traditional and disease related risk factors for CV disease (CVD) in the setting of chronic autoimmune disorders with special focus on SLE will be discussed.

The relevance of performing exercise test before starting supervised physical exercise in asymptomatic cardiovascular patients with rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact and risk factors associated with an abnormal exercise test (ET) in systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease (SIRD) patients before commencing supervised physical exercise.

METHODS

A total of 235 SIRD patients were enrolled in three controlled clinical trials, including 103 RA, 42 SLE and 57 AS patients. The control group consisted of 231 healthy, sedentary subjects matched for age, gender and BMI. All performed an ET, according to Bruce's or Ellestad's protocol. Cardiovascular disease risk factors, medications, comorbidities and details of each SIRD were assessed.

RESULTS

SIRD patients had a higher percentage of abnormal ETs compared with the control group, especially exercise hypertensive behaviour, higher oxygen consumption, higher resting heart rate and heart rate at the first minute of recovery, and chronotropic incompetence (C-Inc) (P < 0.001). The disease itself was involved with higher likelihood of having an abnormal ET [Odds ratio (OR) = 12.0, 95% CI: 2.5, 56.7; P = 0.002 for SLE; OR = 13.56, 95% CI: 6.16, 29.8; P < 0.001 for RA; and OR = 4.31, 95% CI: 1.17, 15.8; P = 0.028, for AS]. Each 10-year increment of age increased the chance of having an abnormal ET by 13% (P = 0.008) in AS patients, as well as hypertension (OR = 7.14, 95% CI: 1.61, 31.6; P = 0.01). Regarding C-Inc, age played a protective role (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.99; P = 0.043) in SLE, and ASDAS-ESR was associated with a higher risk in AS (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 0.93, 8.0; P = 0.067).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed a higher prevalence of abnormal ETs in asymptomatic cardiovascular SIRD patients, and the disease itself was associated with a higher likelihood of having an abnormal test, emphasizing the relevance and need of performing it before starting supervised physical exercise.

The frequency of high/moderate lipoprotein risk factor for coronary artery disease is significant in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

To determine the prevalence of dyslipoproteinemia on a large juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) cohort, we selected 40 patients after rigorous exclusion criteria. Lipoprotein levels were determinated after 12 hours fast and risk levels for CAD were defined by standards of the Brazilian Guidelines for dyslipoproteinemia according to US-NCEP. All individuals were under steroid therapy and chloroquine and 43% had active disease. Thirty patients (75%) had high-risk levels for CAD (23 isolated low HDL, while in seven subjects low HDL was associated to high TG in four, high LDL in one, high TG/LDL in one and high TC/LDL in one). Remarkably, overall analysis revealed that 85% patients were included in high/medium risk levels group (29% for TC, 29% for LDL, 88% for HDL, and 18% for TG) and these disturbances occured mainly in the first four years of disease. Unexpectedly, one-third of the patients presented two or more high/medium lipoprotein risk factors. Independently, active jSLE was associated to TG (OR = 3.2; P < 0.001) and had a tendency towards reduction on HDL (OR = 8.5; P = 0.056). Considering improvements on jSLE outcome, the increased frequency of high/medium lipoprotein risk levels for CAD reinforces the need of prevention measures in order to minimize deleterious effects of this disturbance.

Optimal Monitoring For Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review

Objective.

Premature coronary heart disease (CHD) significantly affects morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several studies have detected factors influencing the atherosclerotic process, as well as methods to quantify the atherosclerotic burden in subclinical stages. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the minimum investigations to optimally monitor CHD risk in SLE.

Methods.

English-restricted literature review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines through Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases, from inception until May 2014 (Medline until October 2014). Specific search terms included, among others, “SLE,” “atherosclerosis,” “CHD,” “myocardial ischemia,” “acute coronary syndrome,” “myocardial infarction,” and “angina pectoris.” We identified 101 eligible articles, 23 with cardiovascular events (CVE) as endpoints and 78 with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment.

Results.

Certain traditional and disease-specific factors were identified as independent predictors for CHD. Among the former were age (particularly postmenopausal state), male sex, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Disease activity and duration, cumulative damage, antiphospholipid antibodies, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and renal disease were the most consistent disease-related factors. Corticosteroids were linked to increased CHD risk whereas antimalarials were protective. Concerning imaging techniques, carotid ultrasonography (intima-media thickness and plaque) was shown to independently predict CVE.

Conclusion.

Premature CHD in SLE is multifactorial; modifiable variables should be monitored at frequent intervals to ensure prompt management. Disease-specific factors also affect the atherogenic process and should be evaluated regularly. Carotid ultrasonography may hold promise in predicting CVE in selected high-risk patients.

[Atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus]

CONTEXT

Evidence from epidemiological studies demonstrates that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors' play an important role in this phenomenon but do not account for the entire risk in lupus patients.

OBJECTIVES

The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular events and infraclinical atherosclerosis are reviewed. Combinations of traditional risk factors with lupus-specific and treatment-related variables are detailed.

RESULTS

Atherosclerosis is more prevalent and occurs prematurely in lupus patients. Relative risk of myocardial infarction is between 5 to 8 times greater that of general population, and may exceed 50 in women between 35 and 44 years old. SLE was also found as an independent risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis, and more than one third of lupus patient show evidence of carotid plaques of coronary artery calcifications. Lupus patients have more frequent traditional risk factors compared with general population of similar age and sex. Besides the traditional risk factors, SLE specific risk factors have been identified among witch advanced age at diagnosis, current disease activity, duration of the disease and renal activity. Moreover, lipid abnormalities in patients with SLE are common and likely are one of the major causes of premature atherosclerosis in these patients; the dyslipoprotein associated increased triglycerides and depressed HDL-cholesterol with proinflammatory HDL production. Autoimmunity may have a part of responsibility, but data's in favour of this hypothesis are not strong. Other mechanisms such as vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, immune complexes and complement activation may also elicit endothelial damage and promote atherosclerosis are associated with the pathogenesis of both SLE and atherosclerosis. Steroids may have a true double-edged role with a pro-atherogenic risk regarding the exacerbation of metabolic risk factors and a "beneficial" anti-inflammatory role. It is becoming increasingly apparent that antimalarials treatment in SLE has an atheroprotective and a cardioprotective effect. The other immunosuppressive drugs may reduce progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events but their precise role remains to be elucidated. Despite their role in primary prevention in target general population, for now, systematic prescription of statins does not show a great benefit in the cardiovascular risk in lupus patients.

CONCLUSION

Mechanisms of atherosclerosis in SLE remain elusive. It is partially explained by the interaction of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, lupus-specific factors and therapy specially corticosteroids. Management strategies of lupus should include early all those items.

Cardiovascular involvement in autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases (AD) represent a broad spectrum of chronic conditions that may afflict specific target organs or multiple systems with a significant burden on quality of life. These conditions have common mechanisms including genetic and epigenetics factors, gender disparity, environmental triggers, pathophysiological abnormalities, and certain subphenotypes. Atherosclerosis (AT) was once considered to be a degenerative disease that was an inevitable consequence of aging. However, research in the last three decades has shown that AT is not degenerative or inevitable. It is an autoimmune-inflammatory disease associated with infectious and inflammatory factors characterized by lipoprotein metabolism alteration that leads to immune system activation with the consequent proliferation of smooth muscle cells, narrowing arteries, and atheroma formation. Both humoral and cellular immune mechanisms have been proposed to participate in the onset and progression of AT. Several risk factors, known as classic risk factors, have been described. Interestingly, the excessive cardiovascular events observed in patients with ADs are not fully explained by these factors. Several novel risk factors contribute to the development of premature vascular damage. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how traditional and nontraditional risk factors contribute to pathogenesis of CVD in AD.

Cardiovascular disease in latin american patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study and a systematic review

Objective. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Latin American (LA) patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. First, a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 310 Colombian patients with SLE in whom CVD was assessed. Associated factors were examined by multivariate regression analyses. Second, a systematic review of the literature on CVD in SLE in LA was performed. Results. There were 133 (36.5%) Colombian SLE patients with CVD. Dyslipidemia, smoking, coffee consumption, and pleural effusion were positively associated with CVD. An independent effect of coffee consumption and cigarette on CVD was found regardless of gender and duration of disease. In the systematic review, 60 articles fulfilling the eligibility criteria were included. A wide range of CVD prevalence was found (4%-79.5%). Several studies reported ancestry, genetic factors, and polyautoimmunity as novel risk factors for such a condition. Conclusions. A high rate of CVD is observed in LA patients with SLE. Awareness of the observed risk factors should encourage preventive population strategies for CVD in patients with SLE aimed at facilitating the suppression of cigarette smoking and coffee consumption as well as at the tight control of dyslipidemia and other modifiable risk factors.

Aortic stiffness is associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus: a controlled transesophageal echocardiographic study

BACKGROUND

Aortic stiffness and left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction are common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

HYPOTHESIS

In SLE, aortic stiffness and LV diastolic dysfunction may be associated.

METHODS

This 6-year-duration, cross-sectional, and controlled study was conducted in 76 SLE patients (69 women; mean age, 37 ± 12 years) and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All subjects underwent clinical and laboratory evaluations and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess LV diastolic function and stiffness of the descending thoracic aorta using the pressure-strain elastic modulus (PSEM). To validate results using PSEM, aortic strain, stiffness, and distensibility were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients as compared with controls had higher PSEM (8.14 ± 4.25 vs 5.97 ± 2.31 U, P < 0.001) and had lower mitral inflow E/A and septal and lateral mitral annulus tissue Doppler E'/A' velocity ratios, longer isovolumic relaxation time, lower septal and lateral mitral annulus E' velocities, and higher mitral E/septal E' and mitral E/lateral E' velocity ratios (all P ≤ 0.03), all indicative of LV diastolic dysfunction. In patients, PSEM was correlated with parameters of LV diastolic dysfunction (all P < 0.05), was independently negatively associated with E/A and E'/A' ratios and E' velocities, and was positively associated with E/E' ratios (P ≤ 0.02 for each parameter and P < 0.001 for all parameters as a profile). Aortic strain, stiffness, and distensibility were also worse in patients than in controls (all P < 0.05) and were correlated with parameters of LV diastolic dysfunction (all P ≤ 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic stiffness is independently associated with LV diastolic dysfunction in young adult patients with SLE.

Increased arterial stiffness is independently associated with metabolic syndrome and damage index in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated whether traditional or non-traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related risk factors were associated with pathological arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) adjusted for patients' age and blood pressure.

METHOD

CV risk factors were measured in the 46 SLE female patients studied. Activity and organ damage were assessed by the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index, respectively. Other lupus-related parameters and information concerning treatment were recorded. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by PWV calculated from pulse wave recording by Doppler, a non-invasive method to measure arterial stiffness. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent determinants of increased PWV.

RESULTS

PWV was categorized as normal or pathological arterial stiffness following the reference values adjusted by age and blood pressure recently published by the European Society of Cardiology. Pathological PWV was associated with CV risk factors including homocysteine (p = 0.01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; p = 0.03), uric acid (p = 0.01), and metabolic syndrome (p = 0.007). With regard to SLE-specific risk factors, a significant association was found between PWV and SLICC/ACR score (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that increased PWV was independently associated with metabolic syndrome [odds ratio (OR) 6.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-38, p = 0.03] and SLICC/ACR score (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1-2.32, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We have found a close link between metabolic syndrome and SLICC/ACR score with increased aortic stiffness. These variables might be an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE women without clinical evidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Proximal aortic stiffness is increased in systemic lupus erythematosus activity in children and adolescents

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are prone to premature atherosclerosis and are at risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. Increased arterial stiffness is emerging as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Purpose. To measure proximal aortic stiffness in children and adolescents with SLE. Methods. We studied 16 patients with SLE in activity (mean age 15 ± 2.42 years; 16 females), 14 patients with SLE not in activity (mean age 15.7 ± 1.89 years; 4 males, 10 females), and 16 age- and sex-comparable healthy children and adolescents (15.5 ± 1.71 years; 4 males, 12 females). Disease activity was determined by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). All subjects underwent echocardiography for assessment of proximal aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) [Ao distance/Ao wave transit time in the aortic arch]. Venous blood samples were collected for ESR. Results. Patients in activity had significantly higher PWV values than controls (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was found between patients not in activity and controls. Conclusions. SLE patients with disease activity demonstrate increased PWV and arterial stiffness of the proximal aorta, while patients without disease activity do not. This suggests that inflammation secondary to SLE activity, and not subclinical atherosclerosis, is the major underlying cause for increased arterial stiffness in this age group.

Association of systemic lupus erythematosus with angiographically defined coronary artery disease: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine if systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in select patients undergoing coronary angiography. We compared the extent of angiographic abnormalities, CAD risk factors, and all-cause mortality in SLE patients with non-SLE controls.

METHODS

We identified SLE patients (n = 86) and controls matched by sex and year of cardiac catheterization (n = 258) undergoing cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of CAD (median followup duration of 4.3 years). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine if SLE was associated with obstructive CAD, defined as ≥70% stenosis in a major epicardial coronary artery. Risk-adjusted survival differences between the 2 groups were assessed using Cox proportional hazards modeling.

RESULTS

The SLE patients (85% women) were younger than the non-SLE patients (median age 49 years versus 70 years; P < 0.001) and were less likely to have diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, but had similar rates of hypertension (70% versus 71%; P = 0.892). In unadjusted analyses, SLE and non-SLE patients had similar rates of obstructive CAD by angiography (52% versus 62%; overall P = 0.11). After adjustment for known CAD risk factors, SLE was associated with a significantly increased likelihood of CAD (odds ratio 2.24 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.08-4.67]). SLE was also associated with a nonsignificant increase in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.683 [95% CI 0.98-2.89], P = 0.060).

CONCLUSION

In this selected population, SLE was significantly associated with the presence of CAD as defined by coronary angiography, the gold standard for assessing flow-limiting lesions in this disease. The patients with SLE showed a similar severity of CAD as the controls despite having less than half the rate of diabetes mellitus and being 20 years younger.

Relationship between cardiac symptoms, myocardial perfusion defects and coronary angiography findings in systemic lupus erythematosus

Coronary angiography is generally regarded as the ‘gold standard’ test for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to determine the relationship between cardiac symptoms and findings of coronary angiography and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Medical records of all SLE patients who underwent coronary angiography while attending our clinic over 24 years were reviewed, noting the indication for the test and its findings. Among patients who had MPS within 6 months prior to coronary angiography, a contingency table was used to rate the agreement between the two tests. Among the 35 patients who underwent coronary angiography, 31 had the test to investigate cardiac symptoms. Among the symptomatic patients, 17 (55%) had an abnormal angiogram with one or more plaques, while 14 (45%) had normal angiograms. All four asymptomatic patients had normal angiograms. Compared to those with normal angiograms, patients with abnormal angiograms had a higher mean number of cardiovascular risk factors per patient (1.6 ± 1.4 vs. 0.6 ± 1.0, p = 0.02). Twenty-four patients had both angiography and MPS. Overall, the agreement between angiography and MPS was poor ( κ = 0, p = 0.0008), with 14 (58.3%) patients having perfusion defects and normal angiograms. A proportion of SLE patients with cardiac symptoms do not have plaques on coronary angiography. Overall there is poor agreement between the findings of coronary angiography and MPS in SLE, suggesting mechanisms of ischemia other than plaques.

Myocardial perfusion imaging using a technetium-99m sestamibi in asymptomatic and low risk for coronary artery disease patients with diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to evaluate technetium-99m sestamibi single photon emission tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and its association with some clinical and laboratory parameters in an asymptomatic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one subjects with SLE and no suspected or documented coronary artery disease (CAD) accomplished myocardial perfusion imaging. Some SLE and CAD parameters were also evaluated in association with myocardial SPECT.

RESULTS

Twenty-one women with a diagnosis of SLE (mean age 36.9 ± 12.8) entered the study. All patients were in the low-risk category for CAD pretest; however, abnormal myocardial perfusion results were found in eight (38%) patients. Amongst the traditional CAD risk factors, there was a significant association between the presence of dyslipidemia and myocardial perfusion abnormalities (P= 0.047). However, we found no significant association between other traditional and SLE-specific risk factors.

CONCLUSION

This study's significant finding was that asymptomatic CAD is common in SLE patients, even in those thought to be low risk for CAD and in the absence of cardiac symptoms.

[Cardiovascular monitoring of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]

Accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is increasingly recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cardiac manifestations of SLE are frequent and can involve almost all components of the heart. Pulmonary hypertension often develops during the course of SLE. The high incidence of cardiovascular complications may justify a screening of SLE patients in order to ensure early diagnosis and therapy. Results of diagnostic procedures that detect coronary insufficiency, surrogates of atherosclerotic burden and echocardiographic findings are often abnormal in SLE. However, evidence to support a routine screening for cardiovascular disease is currently not available. Therefore, based on the recommendations that have been proposed for other conditions associated with cardiovascular disease, we suggest assessment of risk factors and the performance of echocardiography at least annually in asymptomatic SLE patients. If two or more risk factors are present, an exercise ECG is recommended. The benefit, however, of screening SLE patients for cardiovascular disease has to be confirmed in prospective studies.

‘Not only…but also’: factors that contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis and premature coronary heart disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

Premature coronary heart disease (CHD) has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Overall SLE patients have a 5-6-fold increased risk of CHD and this excess risk is especially pronounced in younger women where the excess risk may be >50-fold. Studies from our group and others have also demonstrated that SLE patients have a higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis compared with controls, with approximately 30% having evidence of subclinical involvement. It is important to consider what factors may underlie this excess risk. We have found that certain 'classic' risk factors, i.e. hypertension and diabetes mellitus, are more prevalent in SLE and that persistent hypercholesterolaemia independently predicts patients who will develop CHD. These risk factors alone do not completely explain the excess risk observed, and after adjusting for classic risk factors SLE remains independently associated with both clinical and subclinical outcomes. Certain other metabolic changes also occur more frequently in SLE, namely premature menopause, renal impairment, high triglycerides and higher plasma homocysteine. In addition, insulin resistance is more pronounced in patients with SLE, and approximately 18% have the metabolic syndrome. It is also increasingly accepted that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, and in SLE systemic complement activation as well as immune complex formation can result in changes that promote the development of atheroma. Similarly, autoantibody production, especially antibodies directed against lipoprotein subtypes and those in the antiphospholipid (APLA) family, are gaining increasing attention. The role of the latter are particularly controversial as different subtypes have been shown to both promote and protect against atherogenesis. In a study looking at carotid plaque in SLE, we found that APLA was independently associated with the presence of plaque; this study also found that patients with plaque had higher white cell counts, suggesting ongoing chronic inflammation. We have also noted a negative correlation between activation of transforming growth factor beta-1 and carotid intima-medial thickness. This cytokine, which is known to be a potent anti-inflammatory molecule, has also been shown to be protective against atherogenesis. With regard to therapy, steroids may be a true double-edged sword, with low doses exerting a beneficial anti-inflammatory role whereas higher doses may be detrimental through exacerbation of metabolic risk factors. In contrast, we have found that antimalarials have a beneficial effect on lipids especially when co-prescribed with steroids, and this, along with anti-inflammatory and proposed antiplatelet effects, may confer protection against CHD in lupus. The risk of premature CHD in SLE is therefore mediated by a number of factors that involve not only classic risk factors but also a range of factors associated with SLE itself. Preventative strategies will therefore need to address all potential risk factors of relevance. A more through understanding of the interplay between autoimmunity and atherogenesis should be possible by the study of SLE, and this may not only benefit lupus patients but also may have implications for our understanding of atherosclerosis in general.

Cardiovascular disease in lupus patients: Should all patients be treated with statins and aspirin?

Premature coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In certain age groups, the risk can be >50 times that of an age-matched population. This population also has an increased prevalence of several key classic risk factors that contribute to the CHD development. Chronic inflammation, anti-phospholipid antibodies and exposure to steroid therapy are also likely to have an impact. We have adopted a proactive approach to classic risk factor management with 'ideal targets' based on viewing SLE as a CHD equivalent condition. In this context, a significant proportion of SLE patients (approximately 30%) will require statins and the majority would be treated with aspirin prophylaxis. Better control of the underlying inflammatory disease is also likely to play an important role and the relative safety of anti-malarials allows their consideration as an adjunct in a large proportion of patients. Well-conducted clinical trials are now needed to advance beyond these initial recommendations.

[Accelerated atherosclerosis in rheumatic systemic diseases as an example of systemic lupus erythematosus--what is the consequence?]

Large increases in mortality related to premature atherosclerosis with coronary artery disease and stroke have been reported during the last few years in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies found relative risks of 5 to 7 for myocardial infarction in SLE patients. The traditional risk factors fail to fully account for accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE and APS, in addition prolonged glucocorticoid therapy and long duration of SLE seem to be of importance. The disease SLE per se is an independent risk factor. The current pathogenic hypothesis for atherosclerosis involves an inflammatory response, autoantibodies, immune complexes (containing antibodies to phospholipids, to oxidized LDLs, and to endothelial cells), CD40/CD40 ligand interactions, and bacterial or viral infections responsible for an immune response. The determination of classic and new risk factors, together with specific autoantibody titers and the use of Doppler carotid ultrasound, are useful methods to detect early atherosclerosis. Therapeutic strategies, including early risk factor intervention and effective control of inflammation, are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality and should be incorporated into the management of connective tissue disease with the goal of protecting patients against atherosclerosis.

Premature atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Significant advances have been made in defining the spectrum of clinical manifestations and the prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). With the use of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents as well as better management of complications such as infection, there has been a dramatic improvement in the short-term prognosis of patients who have SLE from less than 50% survival at 5 years to 93% at 5 years and 85% and 10 years. However, many patients who survive early complications of organ failure and sepsis later develop premature coronary artery disease (CAD). In this evidence-based review, the magnitude of the problem of premature atherosclerosis in SLE is defined and evaluation of the strength of association of risk factors determined to date. The authors focus on the emerging role of new modalities for noninvasive assessment of vascular health in patients who have SLE and offer a strategy for screening and management of those at risk of CAD. The article concludes with a discussion on the important questions that remain to be answered and future directions for research.

Therapy Insight: systemic lupus erythematosus as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease with a strong female predilection. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is a frequent complication, particularly in females aged 35-44 years, in whom the risk of myocardial infarction is raised 50-fold. The mechanisms underlying this increased risk are not fully understood. Certain traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, are more common in SLE patients than in the general population. These factors do not, however, completely account for the increased cardiovascular risk; factors such as renal impairment, increased homocysteine levels and early menopause probably have a role. In addition, several factors more specifically related to lupus are proposed to be of importance, including chronic inflammation, antiphospholipid antibodies and therapy, especially corticosteroid use. Thus, we need to be proactive in our approach to risk-factor management in SLE patients. Here, we propose that, like diabetes mellitus, SLE should be considered a coronary heart disease equivalent condition for baseline risk and that assessment of cardiovascular risk should be done routinely. In addition to lifestyle modifications, blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be stringently controlled, and administration of aspirin should be considered in selected patients. The increased use of certain interventions, such as statins, also needs to be more widely investigated in this population.

Scintigraphy in rheumatic diseases

The aim of this review is to summarise the clinical role of nuclear medicine in rheumatology taking into consideration the most specific diagnostic applications and other worthwhile therapeutic contributions. Traditional bone scintigraphy and recent inflammation-targeting radiopharmaceuticals, such as radiolabelled leucocytes and immunoscintigraphy, now allow us to obtain highly sensitive total-body and tomographical imaging information that can be used for the diagnosis of osteoarticular disease. The most common extra-articular manifestations of rheumatic diseases due to digestive, central nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular system involvement can be diagnosed by specific scintigraphic methods. Radiosynovectomy plays an important role in providing effective treatment for some joint diseases that are resistant to pharmacological therapy. Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nuclear medicine show the highest efficacy in the early phase of rheumatic diseases. In more advanced stages, scintigraphical techniques play a complementary role to radiographical investigations in the assessment of prognosis and therapy efficacy.