This study is designed to investigate the association of the clinical and laboratory parameters or data with the cardiac structural and functional abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). Patients with at least four ACR classification criteria for SLE and stable clinical condition (no need for immunosuppressive therapy intensification, i.e. current immunosuppressive drug dose increase or introduction of an additional immunosuppressive drug within last 3 months) will be included in the study. Study procedures will include clinical evaluation, lab tests including blood counts, liver and kidney functions and antibodies levels such as ANA, antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-ds DNA as well as inflammatory markers such as sedimentation rates. Also evaluation of cardiac status by cardiologist examination echocardiography and gadolinium enhanced cardiac MRI. Next, correlation between cardiac abnormalities and laboratory changes will be statistically analyzed.
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Inclusion Criteria: * Patients have at least four ACR classification criteria for SLE. * Stable clinical condition (no need for immunosuppressive therapy intensification, i.e. current immunosuppressive drug dose increase or introduction of an additional immunosuppressive drug within last 3 months). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients less than 18 years old * Clinical symptoms of heart failure. * Renal failure (creatinine clearance \< 30 ml/ min). * Respiratory failure. * Pregnancy. * Patients with contraindications for MRI e.g. patients with aneurysm clips or cardiac pacemakers and patients who are sensitive to gadolinium dye.