Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) are present in 24-61% of patients (pts) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is suggested that they may be associated with valvular abnormalities recognized on echocardiography (ECHO). To evaluate the relation of raised aCL and cardiac abnormalities we performed ECHO in 48 pts with SLE. ACL were estimated in all pts using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), and positive result was found in 25 pts (52%), negative in 23 pts (48%). Abnormalities on ECHO were found in 18 pts in aCL(+) group vs 4 pts in aCL(-) group (68 vs 17% respectively; p < 0.01). Valvular abnormalities were present in 9 pts in aCL(+) group and in 4 ts in aCL(-) group (36 vs 17%; p = n.s.), pericardial effusion in 6 pts in aCL(+) group vs 0 pts in aCL(-) group (24 vs 0%; p < 0.05).
Conclusion: We found association between raised aCL and general cardiac abnormalities on ECHO.