Impaired myocardial perfusion in rheumatoid arthritis is associated with impaired strain, strain rate, disease activity and myocardial oedema: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly involves the cardiovascular system, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) involvement are not fully understood, but cardiovascular inflammation is thought to drive many of the CVD manifestations, including myocardial ischaemia. The clinical utility of CMR firstpass perfusion for assessment of myocardial ischaemia is well-established. The aim of this study was to assess whether RA patients without known epicardial coronary artery disease have evidence of myocardial hypoperfusion.