Cardiac pathology of systemic lupus erythematosus

J Clin Pathol. 2009 Jul;62(7):584-92. doi: 10.1136/jcp.2009.064311.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a common chronic autoimmune disorder causing injury to many organ systems. Cardiac complications of lupus affect most parts of the heart. These include pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis and coronary artery disease. While many histopathological findings in lupus-related cardiac diseases are non-specific, there are a few important findings which pathologists should be aware of. This review provides pathological descriptions of these entities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Disease / etiology
  • Coronary Disease / pathology
  • Endocarditis / etiology
  • Endocarditis / pathology
  • Heart Diseases / etiology*
  • Heart Diseases / pathology
  • Heart Valve Diseases / etiology
  • Heart Valve Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / pathology
  • Myocarditis / etiology
  • Myocarditis / pathology
  • Pericarditis / etiology
  • Pericarditis / pathology