Evaluation of Subclinical Cardiac Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Color Doppler Echocardiography

A color Doppler echocardiography(CD Echo)was performed in 30 new onset patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)and 30 normal controls.CD Echo abnormalities were more common(26 cases,87%)than that of the electrocardiogram and the chest film in SLE(P<0.01;P<0.01).Valve abnormalities,pericardial effusion and pulmonary hypertension were found in 13,11 and 8 patients(43%,37%,and27%),respectively.Abnormalities in ventricular chamber size and/or wall thickness and left ventricular filling were found in 10 and 13 patients(33% and 40%),respectively.These data indicate that there are a variety of subclinical cardiac abnormalities in SLE and Confirm the value of CD Echo for identifying and monitoring these abnormalities. Key words: color Doppler echocardiography lupus erythematosus