Cardiac Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective:  To determine cardiac involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its clinical and echocardiographic findings. 

 Methods:  Fifty five RA patients who fulfilled the revised criteria of American College of Rheumatology enrolled in the study. The patients subjected to clinical assessment and electrocardiography (ECG), chest x‐ray and echocardiographic study were done for them. 

 Results: Cardiac abnormalities were detected in 18(32.72% p value 0.0051) patients. Pericardial effusion was found in 4(7.27%) patients while left ventricular and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction detected in 8(14.54%) patients. Abnormal electrocardiographic findings were identified in 10(18.18%) patients including partial bundle brunch block, low voltage graph and non specific T wave changes. Chest x ray with increased cardiothoracic ratio found in 5 (9.09%) patients.

 Conclusions: Cardiac involvement is a recognized sequel of RA.  Pericardial effusion and diastolic dysfunction is not unknown. Non specific ECG changes were recorded. Frequent follow up regarding cardiac status in RA is recommended.