Prevalence, distribution and clinical correlates of myocardial fibrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cardiac magnetic resonance study

Abstract

Objectives To assess the prevalence, distribution and clinical correlates of myocardial fibrosis, as detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Forty-one subjects (average age 39 ± 12 years and 80% female) with SLE underwent CMR imaging at 1.5T, using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) to quantify the area of myocardial fibrosis in the left ventricle (LV). Subjects also underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and exercise testing. Results LGE was detected in 15/41 subjects, 11 with localized LGE (<15% LV mass) and four with extensive LGE (>15% LV mass). The commonest site of LGE was the interventricular septum, with all but one case demonstrating an intramural or inflammatory pattern. The mean age of the >15% LGE group (55 ± 15 years) was significantly higher than the <15% or absent LGE subgroups. Based on both CMR and TTE measurements, subjects with LGE > 15% demonstrated a reduced E/A ratio of 0.9 ± 0.4 relative to the <15% and absent LGE subgroups. LV end-systolic volume (ESVi), end-diastolic volume (EDVi) and maximum exercise capacity were also reduced in the >15% LGE group. Conclusions Mid-wall myocardial fibrosis occurs frequently in SLE and is strongly associated with advancing subject age, but not with SLE duration or severity. Extensive LGE may be associated with diastolic dysfunction and impaired exercise capacity, although this may be an epiphenomenon of age. Cardiac magnetic resonance with quantitative assessment of LGE may provide a basis for cardiac risk stratification in SLE.