Cardiac involvement in Sudanese children with connective tissue disease

ABSTRACT

Connective tissue diseases [CTD] are associated with a variable range of cardiac abnormalities. We identified all patients with CTD and cardiac involvement seen at Jafar Ibn Ouf Children's Hospital and the Sudan Heart Centre by one cardiologist between Jan 2005 and January 2010. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were done and arranged consultation with rheumatologist. Nine patients were identified, three males and six females. Five patients [62%] were initially seen by the cardiologist and CTD was suspected by clinical examination in four patients and in one patient diagnosed by routine screening during workup for pulmonary hypertension. Symptoms were present for one month to 3 years before presentation to the cardiologist. In three patients [30%] the cardiac symptoms preceded the rheumatological symptoms. In one patient, aortic valve replacement for presumed rheumatic aortic regurgitation preceded arthritis by 12 months. Patients with CTD may present first to the cardiologist with findings that mimic common cardiac lesions. All patients with CTD should have routine evaluation by the cardiologist so as to implement optimal early interventions: