Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that causes damage to multiple organs. Cardiac involvement may present in various forms such as pericarditis, myocarditis, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias, and can lead to severe complications, even death. Despite its important role in prognosis and treatment, cardiac involvement has received little attention. Objective: To investigate the characteristics of cardiac involvement in SLE patients, and to explore the relationship between cardiac manifestations and related factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and retrospective study was conducted on 38 patients diagnosed with SLE according to the 2012 SLICC criteria, who were being treated at Hue Central Hospital and Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from December 2024 to June 2026. Results: Among 38 patients, skin, renal, and hematologic involvement occurred in 50 - 75%. Cardiac manifestations were observed in 13.1 - 23.7%. The most common cardiac symptoms were dyspnea (18.4%) and chest pain (5.3%). Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings frequently showed tachycardia (23.7%), 344 TẠP CHÍ Y DƯỢC HUẾ - HUE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY ISSN 3030-4318; eISSN: 3030-4326 with predominantly sinus tachycardia (88.9%), which was more common in patients with malar rash (p = 0.013) and photosensitivity (p=0.004). Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion (13.1%) and valvular regurgitation (13.1%), with mitral regurgitation being more frequent than tricuspid regurgitation (8.6% vs. 5.7%). Patients with pericardial effusion had lower lymphocyte percentage (9.2 ± 5.9 vs. 21.5 ± 10.9) and higher SLEDAI scores (17.6 ± 8.7 vs. 9.6 ± 4.4) compared to those without effusion. Conclusion: Cardiac involvement in SLE is less common than skin, renal, hematologic, and immunologic manifestations. Dyspnea is the most frequent but nonspecific symptom, with no association with other factors. Tachycardia is the most common ECG finding; although nonspecific, it may indicate disease flare or myocarditis and is associated with acute cutaneous manifestations. Pericardial effusion is the most frequent echocardiographic finding, representing pericarditis during disease activity, and is associated with higher disease activity (SLEDAI) and reduced lymphocyte percentage.