Myocarditis: A Rheumatologic Perspective

Authors

  • Evangelia N Mole Department of Rheumatology , Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens
  • Vasilios Papadakos Department of Rheumatology , Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens
  • George Katsikas Department of Rheumatology , Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens
  • Charalampos Sfontouris Department of Rheumatology , Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2015/hc.v10i3.708

Keywords:

Myocarditis, inflammation, microngiopathy, vasculitis, autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Myocarditis is an uncommon complication in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The majority of cases refer to postmortem findings. The mechanism of myocardial damage in Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs) depends on the pathophysiology of underlying disease. Systemic inflammation, impaired microvascular circulation and vasculitis affect myocardial remodeling process, cause repeated focal ischemia resulting in hypertrophy, fibrosis of myocardium, conductive system and thus reduced contractility. Additionally, immunological abnormalities, coexisting myositis and the degree of disease activity are predictors of myocarditis progression. Clinical manifestations range from subclinical to severe forms. Early recognition is important for institution of appropriate immunomodulatory therapy.

Author Biography

Evangelia N Mole, Department of Rheumatology , Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens

ΕΙΔΙΚΕΥΟΜΕΝΗ ΡΕΥΜΑΤΟΛΟΓΙΚΟ ΤΜΗΜΑ

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Published

2015-07-05

Issue

Section

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