Predictive value of Doppler echocardiography parameters for cardiovascular events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background and objectives: This study aimed to assess the utility of Doppler echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular diastolic function, and prognosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Patients and methods: A total of 286 SLE patients were selected along with 100 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations. Clinical baseline characteristics were collected. Various Doppler echocardiographic parameters were measured and analyzed, including left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), interventricular septal diameter (IVSD), left ventricular mass (LVM), LVM index (LVMI), and others.

Results: Compared to the control group, SLE patients exhibited significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein and lower levels of complement (C) 3 and C4 (p < .001). Doppler echocardiographic parameters showed significant differences between SLE patients and healthy controls, including increased LVPWT, IVSD, LVM, LVMI, peak A, PWI + Tei, E/e', TDI-Tei, and decreased e' and E/A (p < .001). Subgroup analyses indicated more severe ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with higher SLE activity and those who experienced cardiovascular events. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations of PWI + Tei, TDI-Tei, and GLS with SLE activity and cardiovascular events (p < .01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified LVMI, PWI + Tei, TDI-Tei, and GLS as significant predictors of cardiovascular events (p < .05).

Conclusion: Doppler echocardiography is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in SLE patients. Key echocardiographic parameters, including LVMI, PWI + Tei, TDI-Tei, and GLS, are effective in predicting cardiovascular events, underscoring the importance of comprehensive cardiac function assessments in these patients.