Cardiovascular injury in systemic autoimmune diseases: an update.

It is well known in literature that systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) are associated with enhanced atherosclerosis and impaired endothelial function early after the onset of the disease. Cardiovascular (CV) disease represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in SADs. There is considerable evidence suggesting a pathogenetic role of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation for enhanced atherosclerosis in SADs, as demonstrated in several recent studies. Moreover, chronic inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis and functional abnormalities of the endothelium suggest a subclinical CV involvement beginning rapidly soon after the onset of the disease and progressing with disease duration.