Cardiac Manifestations In Patients Of Rehumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Abstracts: Cardiovascular manifestations of Rheumatoid arthritis have never been studied
before therefore this study was designed to evaluate cardiac disease in patients suffering from
rheumatoid arthritis.
Methodology: Fifty patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis presenting in Out Patient, Emergency and
Rheumatology Clinic of Mayo Hospital Lahore from March 1998 till January 1999 were studied. All
of them full filled the criteria for the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis as described by the
American Rheumatism Association. After history and physical examination, a clinical assessment
of the patient was made of whether he / she had Cardiac Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis or
not.
Results: Out of 50 patients seen 35 were female, and 15 were male. Giving a female to male
ratio of 2.3 to 1. Maximum number of patients seen were between 26 45 years i.e 31(62%) In
which 19 (38%) were between 26 to 35 years and 12 (24%) were between 36-45 years. Next
most frequent group was of 8(16%) patients, between 15-25 years of age. Short systolic murmurs
were heard in four patients. One patient showed pulsus paradoxus while in the rest no rhythm
irregularity was felt. Myocarditis or Coronary Rheumatoid disease was not noticed in any patient.
No heart block of any degree was seen. In 4 E.C.G's low voltage was demonstrated in the limb
leads. Out of 50 Patients only 3 had pericardial effusion. In one patient it was only a thin rim more
prominent posteriorly than anteriorly.
Conclusion: Cardiac manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis also occur in Pakistani Population,
although not with the same frequency as in the Western world. It is also concluded that in
Pakistani population, like in the West, the most common Cardiac complication is Pericardial
Effusion.