Multimodality Cardiac Imaging in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a wide range of cardiovascular complications. The main manifestations include diseases of the coronary arteries, valves, pericardium, and myocardium. Multimodality cardiovascular imaging techniques are critical for evaluating the extent of cardiac manifestations in SLE patients, which can provide valuable prognostic information. However, their utility has previously not been well defined. This review provides a state-of-the-art update on the cardiovascular manifestations of lupus, as well as the role of multimodality cardiac imaging in guiding management of patients with SLE.