Cardiac Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo 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.Conclusion: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.