[A contribution to the pseudo-LE-syndrome. Investigations of the cardiovascular system, abdominal organs, lymphatic system and drug histories (author's transl)]

Abstract

13 of 30 patients suffering from pseudo-LE-syndrome showed a usually reversible enlargement of the heart during the acute stage of the disease. In two patients carditis occurring in pseudo-LE-syndrome lead to congestive heart failure and an additional patient died in the acute stage of carditis. As opposed to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus hypertension did not occur in a higher frequency than normal. In five cases cardiac catheter examinations showed slight elevation of the end-diastolic pressure in the right ventricle, in two cases an abnormal high mean pressure in the right atrium and a systolic gradient at the pulmonic valve was found. -Scintigrams showed definite enlargement of the spleen and to a lesser degree enlargement of the liver was seen. Laparascopy showed multiple concretions after peritonitis. Lymphographic changes in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes and lymphatic ducts were not observed in contrast to rheumatic diseases. Drug histories in most cases discovered intake of Venopyronum dragees prior to onset of the disease. But recurrent attacks of the disease also occurred without further intake of the drug.