# Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Arrhythmogenic Substrates in Patients with Systemic Autoimmunity: An Update

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging helps detect heart rhythm issues in patients with autoimmune diseases.

## Contribution

The paper provides an updated review on the role of CMR in evaluating arrhythmogenic substrates in systemic autoimmunity.

## Key findings

- CMR provides diagnostic and prognostic insights in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
- Recent advances in CMR improve detection and risk stratification for arrhythmias in these patients.

## Abstract

Patients with systemic autoimmunity due to autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs)
or sarcoidosis frequently present with systemic manifestations including cardiac
involvement. Cardiac rhythm disturbances and specifically ventricular arrhythmias
(VAs) may affect the prognosis of these patients. Cardiovascular magnetic
resonance imaging (CMR) is a non-invasive imaging modality that can provide
valuable diagnostic and prognostic information in patients with ARDs or systemic
autoimmunity in general. In this narrative review, we briefly present the
underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms contributing to arrhythmogenicity in
patients with systemic autoimmunity. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances
underlying the role and value of CMR for use in the detection and risk
stratification of arrhythmogenic substrates in patients with systemic
autoimmunity and VAs.