Aortic aneurysm in systemic lupus erythematosus
Journal
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection
Journal Volume
37
Journal Issue
5
Pages
310-312
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is frequently associated with cardiovascular manifestations, but rarely complicated with aortic disease. We report a 28-year-old female patient with a 14-year history of SLE and a 3-year history of hypertension. She had suffered from palpitation and chest tightness for 1 month before admission. Heart echo showed thoracic to low abdominal level with low flow. A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed aneurysms of the descending thoracic and upper abdominal aorta, down to the renal level. Diagnosis of aortic aneurysm should be considered in patients with SLE, especially those who have a history of hypertension, prolonged steroid use, palpitation and chest pain. Current imaging modalities, such as cardiac echo, CT and magnetic resonance angiography may provide earlier detection of subclinical disease, which may aid in preventing these fatal complications. It is important to control hypertension aggressively in patients with SLE. In addition to decreasing steroid doses, early use of immunosuppressive agents and accurate noninvasive image modalities may allow us to prevent severe damage to the aorta and avoid the fatal complications.
SDGs
Other Subjects
cyclophosphamide; methylprednisolone; nifedipine; propranolol; steroid; abdominal aorta; adult; aorta aneurysm; aorta disease; article; case report; computer assisted tomography; descending aorta; echocardiography; female; heart palpitation; human; hypertension; immunosuppressive treatment; kidney biopsy; lupus erythematosus nephritis; magnetic resonance angiography; non invasive measurement; steroid therapy; systemic lupus erythematosus; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Risk Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Type
journal article