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1: Am J Emerg Med. 2005 Sep;23(5):696-703.Click here to read Links

Premature atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Mattu A, Petrini J, Swencki S, Chaudhari C, Brady WJ.

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. amattu@smail.maryland.edu

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a vasculitic disorder with potential for multisystem organ dysfunction. Among the organ systems affected is the cardiovascular system. Patients with SLE are prone to premature atherosclerosis; this premature atherosclerosis places the patient at risk for myocardial infarction with onset at a relatively young age. We present 4 patients with SLE who experienced myocardial infarction; these patients also experienced diagnostic and treatment delays because of their relatively young age at presentation. Relevant pathophysiology and diagnostic strategies are discussed.

PMID: 16140181 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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