Dilated cardiomyopathy: An unusual and severe condition in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Background: Systemic juvenile lupus erythematosus can affect any organ including the heart. While pericarditis and endocarditis are the most common cardiac complications, dilated cardiomyopathy remains rare. We report the full recovery of dilated cardiomyopathy in a girl with juvenile lupus.

Case presentation: A 7-year-old girl presented with persistent fever, weight loss, alopecia, positive anti-lupus antibodies, and decreased complement. Examination found dyspnea, tachycardia, and hypotension. Chest X-ray revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette, and echocardiography showed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35%. After excluding other causes, systemic lupus erythematosus related dilated cardiomyopathy was selected. Heart failure treatment, Prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine were prescribed. On day three, she developed macrophage activation syndrome which responded to methylprednisolone boluses. Clinical and biological improvement was observed after 4 weeks, normalization of echocardiography after 4 months.

Conclusion: A review of the literature confirmed the rare and severe nature of dilated cardiomyopathy in juvenile lupus emphasizing the importance of performing echocardiography at the slightest cardiac sign.

Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus; cardiomyopathy; cardiovascular disease; pediatrics.