GRAND ROUNDS FROM INTERNATIONAL LUPUS CENTERS ACCELERATED ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND CORONARY-DISEASE IN SLE

Atherosclerosis may represent a significant cause of death and morbidi ty in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Coronary involvement is more premature in lupus patients. We present the case of a young w oman diagnosed with SLE at the age of 20 years who had a myocardial in farction at age 29 years. We review the mechanisms of atherosclerosis, the interrelations between atherosclerosis and autoimmunity, and betw een atherosclerosis and SLE. We also review the risk factors, influenc e of disease and treatment and the guidelines for management of accele rated atherosclerosis in lupus patients.