Use of advanced cardiovascular imaging in rheumatic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
Authors' conclusion
Advanced cardiovascular imaging frequently identifies cardiovascular involvement in rheumatic IMIDs, including in asymptomatic patients. Treatment adjustments occurred in a third of patients, although largely undertaken outside established MDT processes.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with SLE, SSc, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, vasculitis or SS who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), CT coronary angiography or PET, January 2023–December 2024, four UK hospitals
- Participants
- 261 adults294 imaging studies
- Outcome
- Cardiovascular abnormalities reported on advanced imaging
Methodological detailsfour major hospitals in the UK
- Four major hospitals in the UK
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Cardiovascular abnormalities, all imaging studies
175 of 294
59.5%
Abnormalities most common in vasculitis
53.7%
Abnormal PET scans in asymptomatic patients
54 of 63
85.7%
Abnormal CMR scans in asymptomatic patients
61 of 89
68.5%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Imaging modalities used
- CMR
- 137 (46.6%)
- CT coronary angiography
- 40 (13.6%)
- PET
- 117 (39.8%)
- Indications varied by modality and centre
Management prompted by imaging findings
- Cardiology referral/ongoing follow-up
- 59.5%
- Changes to IMID treatment
- 31.3%
- Discussed in a formal multidisciplinary team (MDT)
- 23.1%
Original publication
Use of advanced cardiovascular imaging in rheumatic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 1 July 2026. doi:10.
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