PREVALENCE OF CARDIAC MANIFESTATIONS IN CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISOR-DERS (SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, SYS-TEMIC SCLEROSIS)

Abstract

Introduction: Connective tissue diseases comprises several immunologic systemic disorders. The cardiological manifestations frequently occur in these patients. So the identification of the cardiological manifestations is a major concern.

Aim: To find out the prevalence of different cardiac manifestations in most common connective tissue disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic sclerosis).

Methodology: A Hospital based cross-sectional, observational study conducted on 63 diagnosed cases of connective tissue diseases, of which 42 are SLE, 13 RA and 8 SSc. All these patients underwent clinical evaluation followed by ECG and 2D Echocardiography.

Results: Mean age of presentation was 49 and female: male ratio was 28:5. ECG changes were present in 23.8% patients (38.5% in RA, 21.4% in SLE, 12.5% in SSc). 2D Echocardiography showed non rheumatic valvular heart disease in 54% of total patients (52.4% of SLE, 46.2% of RA and 75% of SSc patients). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was present in 25.4% of total patients (31% of SLE). Pericardial involvement in term of pericardial effusion was seen in 23.8% of total patients (30.8% in RA, 23.8% in SLE, 12.5% in SSc). Pulmonary artery hypertension was found in 11.1% patients (23.1% in RA, 7.1% in SLE). Mean LVEF in respective connective tissue disease is 60% in RA, 59% in SLE, 64% in SSc.

Conclusion: Regarding cardiological system, most of the patients in our study developed non rheumatic valvular heart disease. Pericardial involvement and pulmonary artery hypertension occurs in patients with connective tissue diseases but are not very common. Valvular involvement and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction are dominant cardiological manifestations in our study.