Abstract
Dermatomyositis (DM) has been associated with multiple systemic complications, including cardiovascular diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and/or congestive heart failure (CHF). These cardiovascular complications are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in DM patients emphasizing the importance of identifying predictive factors. Our study investigates risk factors for DCM and/or CHF in patients with adult-onset DM in Ontario, Canada. The study comprised 114 patients in total, with a median age of 58 years (range = 21–99), and 80% female participants. 16 individuals (14%) were diagnosed with DCM and/or CHF. Statistical analyses showed that the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon, increased disease duration, the presence of anti-Ro 52 antibodies, elevated ESR, and elevated LDH were all predictive factors for the development of DCM/CHF in DM patients. In conclusion, this study significantly contributes to our understanding of predictive factors for CVDs in DM patients. Early prediction and continuous monitoring of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) development is crucial, given the significant morbidity and mortality attributed to CVDs in DM patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate underlying mechanisms and refine risk assessment strategies, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes in this complex autoimmune disorder.