Abstract: Targeted therapies in connective tissue diseases (CTDs) have led to improvements of disease-associated
outcomes, but life expectancy remains lower compared to general population due to emerging co-morbidities,
particularly due to excess cardiovascular risk.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a noninvasive imaging technique which can provide detailed information
about multiple cardiovascular pathologieswithout using ionizing radiation. CMR is considered the reference
standard for quantitative evaluation of left and right ventricular volumes, mass and function, cardiac tissue
characterization and assessment of thoracic vessels; it may also be used for the quantitative assessment of myocardial
blood flow with high spatial resolution and for the evaluation of the proximal coronary arteries. These applications are of particular interest in CTDs, because of the potential of serious and variable involvement of the
cardiovascular system during their course.
The International Consensus Group on CMR in Rheumatology was formed in January 2012 aiming to achieve
consensus among CMR and rheumatology experts in developing initial recommendations on the current
state-of-the-art use of CMR in CTDs. The present report outlines the recommendations of the participating
CMR and rheumatology experts with regards to: (a) indications for use of CMR in rheumatoid arthritis, the
spondyloarthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis of small, medium and large vessels, myositis,
sarcoidosis (SRC), and scleroderma (SSc); (b) CMR protocols, terminology for reporting CMR and diagnostic
CMR criteria for assessment and quantification of cardiovascular involvement in CTDs; and (c) a research agenda
for the further development of this evolving field.
Other publications of the same journal or congress with authors from the University of Cantabria
