Cardiovascular Manifestations of Systemic Vasculitides

AbstractPurpose of ReviewVasculitis can cause heart disease and are associated with premature atherosclerosis, causing increased morbidity and mortality. Consequently, it is important to know how they can affect the cardiovascular system in order to detect and treat the abnormalities in earlier phases.Recent FindingsA clear increasing trend of inpatient burden of myocardial infarction and thromboembolic events in granulomatosis with polyangiitis has been observed lately. Beh çet’s disease has been linked to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Studies showing increased atherosclerosis and thromboembolic phenomena in vasculitis are continuously published. Improvement in imaging techniques has consistently showed that subclinical cardiovascular involvement is freq uent.SummaryVasculitis may affect seriously the cardiovascular system causing an important increase in morbidity and mortality. Subclinical involvement is frequent. Early treatment with immunosuppression and sometimes surgery, is of paramount importance to improve the prognosis.
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research