Das Herz bei rheumatologischen Erkrankungen

Abstract

As systemic immunological disorders inflammatory rheumatic diseases potentially involve organs and structures beyond the musculo-skeletal system including skin and blood vessels. Various neurological, renal, pulmonary, hematological and cardiac manifestations contribute to the broad clinical picture of connective tissue diseases and vasculitides. Regarding cardiac disease all structures of the heart may be affected. Pericarditis in lupus, mitral valve changes in the antiphospholipid syndrome, myocarditis and coronary artery stenosis in the systemic vasculitides are typical examples in systemic rheumatic diseases. Beyond this, pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis or congenital heart block in newborns of lupus patients are further cardiac issues. Since better treatment options led to more long-lasting courses in connective tissue diseases, cardiovascular complications as a consequence of chronic disease- and therapy-related damage gain increasing attention.

Acute coronary syndrome leading to revision of a co-morbid condition in a young man with arthritis

“…The risk of coronary involvement in rheumatologic diseases depends on the clinical entity of the latter. For instance, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is one of the most prevalent inflammatory rheumatologic disorders, as well as in ankylosing spondyloarthritis, it is relatively low as compared with primary systemic vasculitides or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [10].…”