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Brahem M, Amor HIH, Sarraj R, Touil I, Kraiem S, Rouabhia R, Hmaier E, Mbarek GH, Ben Salem A, Mlouki I, Mhamdi S, Hachfi H, Younes M. Echocardiography Coupled with Strain Method in the Screening for Cardiac Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:72-81. [PMID: 37518997 DOI: 10.2174/1573397119666230727111601] [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] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, the usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in systematic screening was assessed for various cardiac abnormalities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS We performed a comparative cross-sectional study from July 2020 to February 2021. Each patient underwent a TTE coupled with the strain technique. RESULTS Seventy-two RA patients and 72 controls were included. Abnormalities detected by TTE were more frequent in RA patients (80.6% vs. 36.1%; p < 0.01), and they were asymptomatic in 65.5% of cases. Valvular involvement was found in 45.8% of RA patients, with a significant difference (p < 0.01). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was also more frequent in the RA group (36.1% vs. 13.9%; p < 0.01). Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was absent in our study, but subclinical left ventricular myocardial damage assessed by Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) method was found in 37.5% of RA patients and 16.6% of controls (p < 0.01). The mean GLS in RA patients was -17.8 ± 2.9 (-22 to -10.7) vs. -19.4 ± 1.9 (-24.7 to -15.7) in controls. Left ventricular hypertrophy was detected in 22.2% of RA patients and in 6.9% of controls (p < 0.01). Pericardial effusion and pulmonary arterial hypertension were present only in the RA group (2.8% of cases). We found a significant relationship between echocardiographic damage and disease activity (p < 0.01), number of painful joints (p < 0.01), functional impact (HAQ) (p = 0.01), CRP level (p < 0.01) and the use and dose of Corticosteroids (p = 0.02; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Echocardiographic damage in RA is frequent and often asymptomatic, hence there has been an increased interest in systematic screening in order to improve the quality of life and vital prognosis of patients. Early management of RA can reduce the risk of occurrence of cardiac involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouna Brahem
- Department of Rheumatology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | | | - Rihab Sarraj
- Department of Rheumatology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Imen Touil
- Department of Pneumology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Salma Kraiem
- Department of Cardiology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Ramzi Rouabhia
- Department of Cardiology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Ella Hmaier
- Department of Cardiology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Ghassen Haj Mbarek
- Department of Cardiology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Ameni Ben Salem
- Department of Rheumatology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Imen Mlouki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Sana Mhamdi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Haifa Hachfi
- Department of Rheumatology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Younes
- Department of Rheumatology, Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
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Atzeni F, Maiani S, Corda M, Rodríguez-Carrio J. Diagnosis and management of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: main challenges and research agenda. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:279-292. [PMID: 36651086 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2170351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibit a cardiovascular (CV) risk that is 1.5-2.0 times higher compared to the general population. This CV risk excess is likely caused by the involvement of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Therefore, conventional algorithms and imaging techniques fail to fully account for this risk excess and provide a suboptimal risk stratification, hence limiting clinical management in this setting. AREAS COVERED Compelling evidence has suggested a role for adaptations of conventional algorithms (Framingham, SCORE, AHA, etc) or the development of RA-specific algorithms, as well as the use of a number of several, noninvasive imaging techniques to improve CV risk assessment in RA populations. Similarly, in-depth analyses of atherosclerosis pathogenesis in RA patients have shed new light into a plethora of soluble biomarkers (such as inflammatory cytokines, vascular remodeling mediators or autoantibodies) that may provide incremental value for CV risk stratification. EXPERT OPINION Extensive research has demonstrated a lack of performance of chart adaptations in capturing real CV risk in RA population, as well as for RA-specific algorithms. Similarly, limitations have been detected in the use of soluble mediators. The development of a novel, RA-specific algorithm including classical and non-traditional risk factors may be advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Experimental and Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Maiani
- Clinical Cardiology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Corda
- S.C. Cardiologia UTIC, ARNAS, G.Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Area of Metabolism, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Detection of myocardial dysfunction using global longitudinal strain with speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with vs without rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Echocardiogr 2023; 21:23-32. [PMID: 35987937 DOI: 10.1007/s12574-022-00583-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder primarily involving the peripheral joints. Systemic involvement can occur, including myocardial dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel diagnostic study which is recently being used to detect subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) by STE is more sensitive than standard echocardiographic parameters to detect occult cardiac dysfunction. METHODS A systematic search of PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify studies comparing the STE parameters between RA and non-RA patients. RESULTS Left ventricular (LV) GLS was significantly lower in patients with RA compared to non-RA patients with a standard mean difference (SMD) of -1.09 (-1.48--0.70, P < 0.001). LV Global Circumferential Strain (GCS) was reported in five studies, and it was found to be lower in RA patients with an SMD of -1.25 (-2.59--0.10; P < 0.0010). Meta regression analysis studies failed to show any significant impact of disease duration, activity, age, sex and BMI on LV GLS and RV GLS. CONCLUSIONS RA patients have lower LV GLS and LV GCS compared to controls suggesting impaired myocardial dysfunction. Further studies need to be done to delineate the importance of lower GLS in asymptomatic rheumatoid patients to guide disease management and risk factor modification in this selected population.
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Kirillova IG, Gorbunova YN, Popkova TV, Diatroptov ME, Nasonov EL. Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RHEUMATOLOGY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.47360/1995-4484-2022-560-565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aim – to determine the frequency of myocardial dysfunction using echocardiography with speckle tracking (STE) method, the relationship between a low global longitudinal strain (GLS) with the level of NT-proBNP, clinical and laboratory manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Material and methods. The study included 43 patients with RA (ACR/EULAR criteria, 2010): 79% women, age – 53.0 [38.0; 63.0] years, disease duration – 60.0 [36; 180] months; DAS28 – 5.9 [5.2; 6.4], positive for ACCP (74%), RF IgM (81%), without prior biological therapy and CVD. Methotrexate was received by 44%, leflunomide – 35%, sulfasalazine – 9.3%, hydroxychloroquine – 7%, glucocorticoids – 67.4%, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – 74% of patients with RA. All RA patients underwent echocardiography – tissue Doppler and STE. The level of NT-proBNP was determined in the blood serum The normal range for NT-proBNP was less than 125 pg/ml.Results. Low GLS was observed in 26 (61%) patients with RA. RA patients had a decrease GLS, E LV, E’ LV, E/A LV compared with the control group. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was higher in RA patients (13 (31%) vs 0%). Patients with RA had significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP (114.8 [45.1; 277.5] and 52 [40.5; 69.1] pg/ml) compared with the control group. There were correlations between a low GLS and DAS28 (r=0.9), the number of painful joints (r=0.6), radiological stage (r=0.6) and the presence of systemic manifestations (r=0.5), age (r=–0.9), E LV velocity (r=–0.5) (p<0.05 in all cases). There were correlations between the level of NT-proBNP and the E/A LV ratio (r=–0.4), A LV velocity (r=0.5) (p><0.05 in all cases).>< 0.05 in all cases). There were correlations between the level of NT-proBNP and the E/A LV ratio (r=–0.4), A LV velocity (r=0.5) (p< 0.05 in all cases).Conclusions. In RA patients with a high frequency the low GLS LV was detected, which is associated with a high activity of the inflammatory process. STE helps to detect myocardial dysfunction in patients with RA at earlier stages than tissue Doppler. The use of STE, the determination of the level of NT-proBNP make it possible to diagnosing preclinical disorders of systolic and diastolic functions of the LV, which can contribute to the early initiation of therapy and improve the prognosis in this category of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - E. L. Nasonov
- V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of Russian Federation (Sechenov University)
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A preliminary study on the evaluation of left atrial function of rheumatoid arthritis by two dimensional speckle tracking imaging. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21537. [PMID: 34728679 PMCID: PMC8563725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00657-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the changes of left atrial (LA) geometry and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI). We enrolled 46 RA patients with a duration of < 5 years as Group I, 40 RA patients with a duration of ≥ 5 years as Group II, and 40 normal subjects as the control group. Conventional echocardiography was conducted to measure traditional parameters. The LA strain during reservoir phase (LASr), LA strain during conduit phase (LAScd), LA strain during contraction phase (LASct), and LA global longitudinal strain (LAGLS) were obtained from 2D-STI. Related ultrasound results were compared. The LASct was significantly higher in Group I than in control group (P < 0.05). The LASr, LAScd, and LAGLS were significantly lower in Group I than in control group (all P < 0.05). The LASr, LAScd, LASct, and LAGLS were significantly lower in Group II than in control group and Group I (all P < 0.05). The function of LA impaired in RA patients, and the impairment aggravated with the clinical course of RA patients. 2D-STI technology can early and accurately evaluate the LA function of RA patients by evaluating LASr, LAScd, LASct, and LAGLS.
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Taylor PC, Atzeni F, Balsa A, Gossec L, Müller-Ladner U, Pope J. The Key Comorbidities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:509. [PMID: 33535498 PMCID: PMC7867048 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are often associated with poor health outcomes and increased mortality. Treatment decisions should take into account these comorbidities due to known or suspected associations with certain drug classes. In clinical practice, it is critical to balance potential treatment benefit against the possible risks for comorbidities as well as the articular manifestations of RA. This review summarises the current literature relating to prevalence and risk factors for the important comorbidities of cardiovascular disease, infections, lymphomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers in patients with RA. The impact on patient outcomes and the interplay between these comorbidities and the therapeutic options currently available, including tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and newer biological therapies, are also explored. As newer RA therapies are developed, and patients gain wider and earlier access to advanced therapies, in part due to the emergence of biosimilars, it is important to consider the prevention or treatment of comorbidities as part of the overall management of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C. Taylor
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alejandro Balsa
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, La Paz Institute for Health Research IdiPAZ, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Laure Gossec
- Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France;
- Rheumatology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Ulf Müller-Ladner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Campus Kerckhoff, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany;
| | - Janet Pope
- St. Joseph’s Health Care, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
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Makavos G, Varoudi M, Papangelopoulou K, Kapniari E, Plotas P, Ikonomidis I, Papadavid E. Echocardiography in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiovascular Complications. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2020; 56:medicina56090445. [PMID: 32883041 PMCID: PMC7558642 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are systemic diseases frequently affecting the heart and vessels. The main cardiovascular complications are pericarditis, myocarditis, valvular disease, obstructive coronary artery disease and coronary microcirculatory dysfunction, cardiac failure and pulmonary hypertension. Echocardiography, including transthoracic two and three-dimensional echocardiography, Doppler imaging, myocardial deformation and transesophageal echo, is an established and widely available imaging technique for the identification of cardiovascular manifestations that are crucial for prognosis in rheumatic diseases. Echocardiography is also important for monitoring the impact of drug treatment on cardiac function, coronary microcirculatory function, valvular function and pulmonary artery pressures. In this article we summarize established and evolving knowledge on the role of echocardiography for diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular abnormalities in rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Makavos
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-5832187
| | - Maria Varoudi
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
| | - Konstantina Papangelopoulou
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
| | - Eirini Kapniari
- Second Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (E.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
| | - Ignatios Ikonomidis
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
| | - Evangelia Papadavid
- Second Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (E.P.)
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