Combining Laboratory and Imaging Evaluation for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem auto-immune disease that may affect any organ/system, including the cardiovascular system. Several studies have shown that SLE is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), even though most of the patients who have lupus are young women. In this review, we present that apart from the traditional risk factors, there are more appropriate SLE-related indices such as imaging parameters, auto-antibodies, disease manifestations, medications, and genetic factors that might represent useful tools to create an algorithm for early identification of SLE patients at increased risk of CVD. Early recognition and appropriate treatment of patients at increased CVD risk might reduce morbidity/mortality and improve the quality of life of patients with SLE.