[Echocardiographic analysis of changes in the heart in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

Fifty-six patients, 49 females and 7 males, with the confirmed diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus were examined by M-mode, 2--D and Doppler echocardiography. Pericardial effusion was found in 15 patients (27%), while pericardial thickening was suspected in 6 additional patients (37.5% altogether). Two patients had the signs of a pericardial tamponade, but both of them were uraemic. Libman-Sacks endocarditis was suspected in 4 patients (7.5%) because of verrucous changes in the aortic or mitral valve and regurgitant jet. Slight to moderate left ventricular hypocontractility was present in 3 patients (5%), while 3 additional patients had borderline values of the left ventricular contractility parameters. Left ventricular hypertrophy, usually mild, was found in 21 patients (37.5%). Echocardiographic signs of pulmonary hypertension were present in 2 patients (3.6%). It has been concluded that pericardial affection is frequent during the course of systemic lupus erystematosus, while a diffuse myocardial involvement is rare, except the consequences of arterial hypertension and accelerated coronary atherosclerosis. Libman-Sacks endocarditis still represents a diagnostic problem. For a more precise definition of cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus, a comparative analysis of the disease activity and immunosuppressive therapy is needed.