Can pericarditis be caused by lupus?

Pericarditis is the most common heart problem associated with active lupus and occurs in about 25% of people with SLE. The condition occurs when the pericardium—the thin membrane surrounding your heart—becomes swollen and irritated, causing it to leak fluid around the heart.

What type of pericarditis does lupus cause?

Pericarditis is a common cardiac manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serositis is recognized in the ACR, SLICC, and EULAR/ACR classification criteria. We reviewed the prior research regarding the epidemiology, risk factors, presentation, and treatment of pericarditis in SLE.

Can an autoimmune disease cause pericarditis?

Pericardial manifestations of autoimmune diseases most frequently include asymptomatic pericardial effusions and acute pericarditis, while other manifestations such as constrictive pericarditis and tamponade are uncommon.

What is the most common cardiac manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus?

Pericarditis is the most common, however conduction defects, valvular damage and heart failure are also observed among SLE patients.

How is lupus pericarditis treated?

Treatment of pericarditis usually includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) and colchicine; followed by addition of corticosteroid if required.

What autoimmune diseases cause pericardial effusion?

Causes of pericardial effusion may include:

• Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
• Cancer of the heart or pericardium.
• Spread of cancer (metastasis), particularly lung cancer, breast cancer or Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Radiation therapy for cancer if the heart was in the area of the radiation.
• Chest trauma.

Can lupus cause heart palpitations?

In addition, chronic resting tachycardia may be seen in people who have lupus. This tachycardia may produce palpitations and is most commonly seen in people whose lupus is currently in an active phase.

What autoimmune disease causes heart palpitations?

Lupus is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease that can affect many of your organs, especially the heart. Abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, are among the potential cardiac complications of lupus.

What does lupus pleurisy feel like?

The symptom of pleuritis that you may experience is severe, often sharp, stabbing pain in a specific area or areas of your chest. The pain, which is called pleurisy, is made worse when you take a deep breath, cough, sneeze, or laugh. You may also experience shortness of breath.

How does lupus cause pericardial effusion?

Lupus pericarditis is the most common type of heart disease affecting those with lupus. The trigger, it seems, is antigen-antibody complexes produced during active lupus. These antigen-antibody complexes, also known as immune complexes, can cause inflammation within the pericardium.

What does recurrent pericarditis feel like?

Chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis. It usually feels sharp or stabbing. However, some people have dull, achy or pressure-like chest pain. The pain usually occurs behind the breastbone or in the left side of your chest.