1
|
Nayfeh M, DiGregorio H, Saad JM, Al-Mallah M, Al Rifai M. The Emerging Specialty of Cardio-Rheumatology. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2024; 26:499-509. [PMID: 38913292 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-024-01221-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we aimed to summarize the different aspects of the field of cardio-rheumatology, the role of the cardio-rheumatologist, and future research in the field. RECENT FINDINGS Cardio-rheumatology is an emerging subspecialty within cardiology that focuses on addressing the intricate relationship between systemic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. It involves understanding the cardiovascular impact of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases on the heart and vascular system. A cardio-rheumatologist's role is multifaceted. First, they should understand the cardiac manifestations of rheumatological diseases. They should also be knowledgeable about the different immunotherapies available and side effects. Additionally, they should know how to utilize imaging modalities, either for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment monitoring. This field is constantly evolving with new research on both treatment and imaging of the effects of inflammation on the cardiovascular system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malek Nayfeh
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, 6550 Fannin Street, Smith Tower - Suite 1801, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Mouaz Al-Mallah
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, 6550 Fannin Street, Smith Tower - Suite 1801, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mahmoud Al Rifai
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, 6550 Fannin Street, Smith Tower - Suite 1801, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, 6550 Fannin Street, Smith Tower - Suite 1801, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luo S, Dou WQ, Schoepf UJ, Varga-Szemes A, Pridgen WT, Zhang LJ. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in myocardial involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2023; 33:346-354. [PMID: 35150849 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects young women. Myocardial involvement in SLE frequently occurs and it is rather challenging to make the diagnosis in current clinical settings, mainly due to the extensive clinical presentation of signs and symptoms. As a noninvasive imaging reference in diagnosing cardiomyopathy and myocarditis, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can provide new insight into myocardial abnormalities including inflammation, fibrosis, and microcirculation. Therefore, the main aim of this work was to systematically review the pathology, clinical features, and diagnosis, while illustrating the clinical role of CMR on myocardial involvement of SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Luo
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | | | - U Joseph Schoepf
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Akos Varga-Szemes
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Wanya T Pridgen
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The heart in systemic lupus erythematosus - A comprehensive approach by cardiovascular magnetic resonance tomography. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202105. [PMID: 30273933 PMCID: PMC6167090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cardiac manifestations, e.g. coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocarditis are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of subclinical heart disease in SLE is unknown. We studied whether a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol may be useful for early diagnosis of heart disease in SLE patients without known CAD. Methods In this prospective, observational, cross-sectional study CMR including cine, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and stress perfusion sequences, ECG, and blood sampling were performed in 30 consecutive SLE patients without known CAD. All patients fulfilled at least 4/11 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Criteria for the classification of SLE. Results 30 patients (83% female) were enrolled, mean age was 45±14 years and mean SLE disease duration was 10±8 years. 80% had low to moderate disease activity. All had a low SLE damage index. CMR was abnormal in 13/30 (43%), showing LGE in 9/13, stress perfusion deficits in 5/13 and pericardial effusion (PE) in 7/13. Patients with non-ischemic LGE had more often microalbuminuria while patients with stress perfusion deficits a history of hypertension, renal disorder as ACR criterion, repolarisation abnormalities on ECG and larger LV enddiastolic volume index. There was no correlation between clinical symptoms and CMR results. Conclusion Our study shows that cardiac involvement as observed by CMR is frequent in SLE and not necessarily associated with typical symptoms. CMR may thus help to detect subclinical cardiac involvement, which could lead to earlier treatment. Additionally we identify possible risk factors associated with cardiac involvement.
Collapse
|
4
|
Mavrogeni S, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Bounas A, Tektonidou M, Lliossis SNC, Daoussis D, Plastiras S, Karabela G, Stavropoulos E, Katsifis G, Vartela V, Kolovou G. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance detects silent heart disease missed by echocardiography in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2018; 27:564-571. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203317731533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains challenging, due to limitations of echocardiography. We hypothesized that cardiovascular magnetic resonance can detect cardiac lesions missed by echocardiography in SLE patients with atypical symptoms. Aim To use cardiovascular magnetic resonance in SLE patients with atypical symptoms and investigate the possibility of silent heart disease, missed by echocardiography. Patients/methods From 2005 to 2015, 80 SLE patients with atypical cardiac symptoms/signs (fatigue, mild shortness of breath, early repolarization and sinus tachycardia) aged 37 ± 6 years (72 women/8 men), with normal echocardiography, were evaluated using a 1.5 T system. Left and right ventricular ejection fractions, T2 ratio (oedema imaging) and late gadolinium enhancement (fibrosis imaging) were assessed. Acute and chronic lesions were defined as late gadolinium enhancement-positive plus T2>2 and T2<2, respectively. Lesions were characterized according to late gadolinium enhancement patterns as: diffuse subendocardial, subepicardial and subendocardial/transmural, due to vasculitis, myocarditis and myocardial infarction, respectively. Results Abnormal cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings were identified in 22/80 (27.5%) of SLE patients with normal echocardiography, including 4/22 with recent silent myocarditis, 5/22 with past myocarditis (subepicardial scar in inferolateral wall), 9/22 with past myocardial infarction (six inferior and three anterior subendocardial infarction) and 4/22 with diffuse subendocardial fibrosis due to vasculitis. No correlation between cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings and inflammatory indices was identified. Conclusions Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in SLE patients with atypical cardiac symptoms/signs and normal echocardiography can assess occult cardiac lesions including myocarditis, myocardial infarction and vasculitis that may influence both rheumatic and cardiac treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - A Bounas
- Olympion Therapeutirion General Clinic, Patras, Greece
| | - M Tektonidou
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Athens, Greece
| | - S-N C Lliossis
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - D Daoussis
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - S Plastiras
- Olympion Therapeutirion General Clinic, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | | | - V Vartela
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - G Kolovou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mavrogeni S, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Dimitroulas T, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Kolovou G. Complementary role of cardiovascular imaging and laboratory indices in early detection of cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2017; 26:227-236. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203316671810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been documented in >50% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, due to a complex interplay between traditional risk factors and SLE-related factors. Various processes, such as coronary artery disease, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, vasculitis, valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, account for CVD complications in SLE. Methods Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography (echo), nuclear techniques, cardiac computed tomography (CT), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac catheterization (CCa) can detect CVD in SLE at an early stage. ECG and echo are the cornerstones of CVD evaluation in SLE. The routine use of cardiac CT and nuclear techniques is limited by radiation exposure and use of iodinated contrast agents. Additionally, nuclear techniques are also limited by low spatial resolution that does not allow detection of sub-endocardial and sub-epicardial lesions. CCa gives definitive information about coronary artery anatomy and pulmonary artery pressure and offers the possibility of interventional therapy. However, it carries the risk of invasive instrumentation. Recently, CMR was proved of great value in the evaluation of cardiac function and the detection of myocardial inflammation, stress-rest perfusion defects and fibrosis. Results An algorithm for CVD evaluation in SLE includes clinical, laboratory, ECG and echo assessment as well as CMR evaluation in patients with inconclusive findings, persistent cardiac symptoms despite normal standard evaluation, new onset of life-threatening arrhythmia/heart failure and/or as a tool to select SLE patients for CCa. Conclusions A non-invasive approach including clinical, laboratory and imaging evaluation is key for early CVD detection in SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - L Koutsogeorgopoulou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - T Dimitroulas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - G Kolovou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen J, Tang Y, Zhu M, Xu A. Heart involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol 2016; 35:2437-48. [PMID: 27502777 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-016-3373-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most important causes of the disability and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study examined the cardiac abnormalities in patients with SLE by echocardiography. Case-control studies were obtained by searching PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, and MD Consult. Systemic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the cardiac abnormalities based on the changes in the echocardiography in patients with SLE. Twenty-two studies including 1117 SLE patients and 901 healthy controls were enrolled into this study. We found that patients with SLE developed the pericardial effusion (odds ratio (OR) (95 % confidence interval (CI)) 30.52 (9.70-96.02); p < 0.00001) and the combined valvular alterations (OR (95 %CI) 11.08 (6.98-17.59); p < 0.00001). In addition, SLE patients also exhibited an increase in the left atrial diameter (LAD) (WMD-weighted mean difference (95 %CI) 0.18 (0.06-0.29); p = 0.002), the left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVDd) (WMD (95 %CI) 0.07 (0.02-0.12); p = 0.01), and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (WMD (95 %CI) 5.69 (2.69-8.69); p = 0.0002). In contrast, the left ventricular systolic function (WMD (95 %CI) -1.22 (-1.69 to -0.75); p < 0.00001) and diastolic function including E/A ratio and E/E' ratio (WMD (95 % CI) -0.13 (-0.24 to -0.01); p = 0.04; WMD (95 % CI) 1.71 (0.43 to 2.99); p = 0.009) were decreased in SLE patients. Patients with SLE are associated with significant alterations in cardiac structure and function as demonstrated by echocardiography. Data from this study suggest that echocardiographic assessment should be considered as a part of routine examinations for SLE patients clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan-Jiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan-Jiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan-Jiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Anping Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan-Jiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in rheumatology: Current status and recommendations for use. Int J Cardiol 2016; 217:135-48. [PMID: 27179903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.04.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapies in connective tissue diseases (CTDs) have led to improvements of disease-associated outcomes, but life expectancy remains lower compared to general population due to emerging co-morbidities, particularly due to excess cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a noninvasive imaging technique which can provide detailed information about multiple cardiovascular pathologies without using ionizing radiation. CMR is considered the reference standard for quantitative evaluation of left and right ventricular volumes, mass and function, cardiac tissue characterization and assessment of thoracic vessels; it may also be used for the quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow with high spatial resolution and for the evaluation of the proximal coronary arteries. These applications are of particular interest in CTDs, because of the potential of serious and variable involvement of the cardiovascular system during their course. The International Consensus Group on CMR in Rheumatology was formed in January 2012 aiming to achieve consensus among CMR and rheumatology experts in developing initial recommendations on the current state-of-the-art use of CMR in CTDs. The present report outlines the recommendations of the participating CMR and rheumatology experts with regards to: (a) indications for use of CMR in rheumatoid arthritis, the spondyloarthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis of small, medium and large vessels, myositis, sarcoidosis (SRC), and scleroderma (SSc); (b) CMR protocols, terminology for reporting CMR and diagnostic CMR criteria for assessment and quantification of cardiovascular involvement in CTDs; and (c) a research agenda for the further development of this evolving field.
Collapse
|
8
|
Mavrogeni S, Sfikakis PP, Gialafos E, Bratis K, Karabela G, Stavropoulos E, Spiliotis G, Sfendouraki E, Panopoulos S, Bournia V, Kolovou G, Kitas GD. Cardiac tissue characterization and the diagnostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in systemic connective tissue diseases. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2014; 66:104-12. [PMID: 24106233 DOI: 10.1002/acr.22181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular involvement in connective tissue diseases (CTDs) remains challenging. We hypothesized that cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) demonstrates cardiac lesions in symptomatic CTD patients with normal echocardiography. METHODS CMR from 246 CTD patients with typical cardiac symptoms (TCS; n = 146, group A) or atypical cardiac symptoms (ATCS; n = 100, group B) was retrospectively evaluated. Group A included 9 patients with inflammatory myopathy (IM), 35 with sarcoidosis, 30 with systemic sclerosis (SSc), 14 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 10 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 48 with small vessel vasculitis. Group B included 25 patients with RA, 20 with SLE, 20 with sarcoidosis, 15 with SSc, 10 with IM, and 10 with small vessel vasculitis. CMR was performed by 1.5T; left ventricular ejection fraction, T2 ratio (edema imaging), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE; fibrosis imaging) were evaluated. Acute and chronic lesions were characterized as LGE positive plus T2 ratio >2 and T2 ratio ≤2, respectively. According to LGE, lesions were characterized as diffuse subendocardial, subepicardial, and subendocardial/transmural due to vasculitis, myocarditis, and myocardial infarction, respectively. A stress study by dobutamine echocardiography or stress, nuclear, or adenosine CMR was performed in CTD patients with negative rest CMR. RESULTS Abnormal CMR was identified in 32% (27% chronic) and 15% (12% chronic) of patients with TCS and ATCS, respectively. Lesions due to vasculitis, myocarditis, and myocardial infarction were evident in 27.4%, 62.6%, and 9.6% of CTD patients, respectively. Stress studies in CTD patients with negative CMR revealed coronary artery disease in 20%. CONCLUSION CMR in symptomatic CTD patients with normal echocardiography can assess disease acuity and identify vasculitis, myocarditis, and myocardial infarction.
Collapse
|
9
|
Garcia MA, Alarcon GS, Boggio G, Hachuel L, Marcos AI, Marcos JC, Gentiletti S, Caeiro F, Sato EI, Borba EF, Brenol JCT, Massardo L, Molina-Restrepo JF, Vasquez G, Guibert-Toledano M, Barile-Fabris L, Amigo MC, Huerta-Yanez GF, Cucho-Venegas JM, Chacon-Diaz R, Pons-Estel BA. Primary cardiac disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: protective and risk factors--data from a multi-ethnic Latin American cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2014; 53:1431-8. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keu011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
|
10
|
Edema and fibrosis imaging by cardiovascular magnetic resonance: how can the experience of Cardiology be best utilized in rheumatological practice? Semin Arthritis Rheum 2014; 44:76-85. [PMID: 24582213 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES CMR, a non-invasive, non-radiating technique can detect myocardial oedema and fibrosis. METHOD CMR imaging, using T2-weighted and T1-weighted gadolinium enhanced images, has been successfully used in Cardiology to detect myocarditis, myocardial infarction and various cardiomyopathies. RESULTS Transmitting this experience from Cardiology into Rheumatology may be of important value because: (a) heart involvement with atypical clinical presentation is common in autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs). (b) CMR can reliably and reproducibly detect early myocardial tissue changes. (c) CMR can identify disease acuity and detect various patterns of heart involvement in CTDs, including myocarditis, myocardial infarction and diffuse vasculitis. (d) CMR can assess heart lesion severity and aid therapeutic decisions in CTDs. CONCLUSION The CMR experience, transferred from Cardiology into Rheumatology, may facilitate early and accurate diagnosis of heart involvement in these diseases and potentially targeted heart treatment.
Collapse
|
11
|
Multimodality imaging and the emerging role of cardiac magnetic resonance in autoimmune myocarditis. Autoimmun Rev 2012; 12:305-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|