CMR-Lupus Comprehensive Approach by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Tomography

The Heart in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - a Comprehensive Approach by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Tomography

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of SLE, as defined by the American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Exclusion Criteria:

• age under 18 years
• known coronary artery disease
• impaired renal function with an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 ml/min, estimated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group (MDRD) formula (45)
• devices as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, insulin pumps and others
• metallic foreign bodies in the eyes, ferromagnetic implants labeled MR unsafe
• allergy against CMR contrast media or adenosine
• presence of chronic atrial fibrillation, 2nd or 3rd degree Atrioventricular (AV)-block, trifascicular block, asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease