Lupus cardiomyopathy in young woman with high lupus activity

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting predominantly young women. Cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus is common and the typical manifestations are pericarditis, myocarditis, valvular disease, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. Clinical lupus myocarditis typically occurs early during lupus, in the context of high disease activity. It may present as an acute illness or have a chronic course with the development of cardiomyopathy. We present a clinical case of young patient who developed a severe dilated cardiomyopathy as a fi rst manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.