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Azzam M, Awad A, Abugharbyeh A, Kahaleh B. Myocarditis in connective tissue diseases: an often-overlooked clinical manifestation. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:1983-1992. [PMID: 37587233 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05428-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
To discuss what is currently known about myocarditis in the context of major connective tissue diseases, including Systemic lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren, Dermato-myositis and Polymyositis, Systemic Sclerosis, and Mixed connective tissue disease. Variability exists between studies regarding the incidence of myocarditis in connective tissue diseases, which is hypothesized to be the result of its subclinical course in most cases. Extensive gaps of knowledge exist in the field of pathophysiology. Although endomyocardial biopsy remains to be the gold standard for diagnosis, the advancement in non-invasive modalities such as cardiac MRI, echocardiography, and nuclear medicine has allowed for earlier and more frequent detection of myocarditis. A lack of treatment guidelines was found across the different connective tissue diseases. Most of the literature available revolved around myocarditis in the context of Systemic lupus erythematosus. Numerous recent studies were published that contributed to advancements in diagnosis and treatment however, there remains a lack of diagnostic and treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muayad Azzam
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
| | - Amro Awad
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Aya Abugharbyeh
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, USA
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, USA
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2
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Gokcen N. Serum markers in systemic sclerosis with cardiac involvement. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:2577-2588. [PMID: 37335406 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06663-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis is a common clinical entity that may range from subclinical to life-threatening complications. The classification of cardiac involvement may be expressed as either primary or secondary involvement. Primary systemic sclerosis heart involvement (SSc-pHI) refers to cardiac pathologies primarily ascribed to systemic sclerosis rather than concomitant conditions like ischemic heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. The timely recognition of cardiac involvement holds significant clinical relevance. Therefore, numerous screening or diagnostic tools have been evaluated to forecast the likelihood of cardiac involvement, particularly in the absence of clinically evident cardiac symptoms. Of these modalities, serum biomarkers are often preferred due to their expeditiousness and non-invasive nature. Hence, the crucial goal of this narrative review is to review serum biomarkers that can be a valuable or promising tool in diagnosing cardiac involvement, especially SSc-pHI, in the early stages or predicting disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Gokcen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, İzmit, Kocaeli, Turkey.
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3
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Moysidou GS, Dara A, Arvanitaki A, Skalkou A, Pagkopoulou E, Daoussis D, Kitas GD, Dimitroulas T. Understanding and managing cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:293-304. [PMID: 36690592 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2171988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac involvement is common in systemic sclerosis occurring in up to 80% of patients. Primary myocardial dysfunction results from impairment of coronary microvascular circulation, myocardial inflammation and fibrosis with the prevalence of atherosclerosis remaining contradictory. AREAS COVERED This review presents the various aspects of cardiac involvement in SSc from a pathophysiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic standpoint. Imaging modalities with emerging role in the understanding of mechanisms and prompt diagnosis of myocardial fibrosis namely cardiac magnetic resonance are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Cardiac involvement in SSc - and particularly primary myocardial disease - remains a challenge as clinical symptoms manifest in advanced stages of heart failure and convey poor prognosis. Over the last years the introduction of sophisticated imaging methods of myocardial function has resulted in a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes of myocardial damage such as microvasculopathy, inflammation, diffuse or focal fibrosis. Such developments could contribute to the identification of patients at higher risk for subclinical heart involvement for whom diligent surveillance and prompt initiation of therapy with cardioprotective and/or immunosuppressive drugs coupled with invasive interventions namely radiofrequency ablation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator when indicated, may improve long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Savina Moysidou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon, University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari, Greece.,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasia Dara
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandra Arvanitaki
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Skalkou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Pagkopoulou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitris Daoussis
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK
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4
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Lee KI, Manuntag LJ, Kifayat A, Manuntag SE, Sperber K, Ash JY, Frishman WH, Wasserman A. Cardiovascular Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis: An Overview of Pathophysiology, Screening Modalities, and Treatment Options. Cardiol Rev 2023; 31:22-27. [PMID: 34619709 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, previously known as scleroderma, is a heterogeneous, systemic disease that is defined by its 3 pathological hallmarks: the production of autoantibodies, small vessel vasculopathy, and fibroblast dysfunction, leading to an increased deposition of extracellular matrix. We conducted a review of the available literature that covers the cardiovascular manifestations of SSc: electrical conduction abnormalities, pulmonary hypertension, pericardial disease, and atherosclerosis. Within each major category, we will discuss the definition, diagnostics, and available treatment options. Increased mortality from cardiovascular complications necessitates early screening and management. Annual screening with noninvasive modalities is encouraged. The current management of each complication generally follows the management algorithms of patients regardless of SSc status and is dependent on the severity of the patient's clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-In Lee
- From the Department of Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
| | - Levy Jo Manuntag
- From the Department of Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
| | - Alina Kifayat
- Department of Rheumatology, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | | | - Kirk Sperber
- Department of Rheumatology, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Julia Yegudin Ash
- Department of Rheumatology, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - William H Frishman
- Department of Allergy/Immunology, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Amy Wasserman
- Department of Rheumatology, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
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5
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Chennakesavulu PV, Uppaluri S, Koyi J, Jhaveri S, Avanthika C, Sakhamuri LT, Ashokbhai PK, Singh P. Pulmonary Hypertension in Scleroderma- Evaluation and Management. Dis Mon 2022:101468. [PMID: 36163292 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2022.101468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a clinical syndrome consisting of physiologic/hemodynamic criteria that are a consequence of several etiologies. Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), one of the most common causes of PAH, is an autoimmune disorder of the connective tissue leading to fibrosis that involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart, kidney etc. SSc has an annual prevalence of one to five cases for every 1000 individuals and nearly 15 percent of all cases develop PAH. At its core, Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in SSc is an obliterative vasculopathy in small to medium-sized pulmonary arterioles. A host of other local and systemic mechanisms operate in concert to gradually alter the hemodynamics resulting in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and thus right ventricular afterload. A diagnosis of PAH in SSc is virtually a death sentence, with studies reporting a mortality rate of 50 per cent in the 3 years of diagnosis. Therefore, developing and implementing a robust screening and diagnosis protocol is crucial in the fight against this pervasive disease. This review aims to summarize the current literature of PAH in SSc, with a special focus on the screening and diagnosis protocols, newer treatment options and prognostic indicators for the same.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Srikar Uppaluri
- Kamineni Academy of medical sciences and research centre, Hyderabad, India.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Priyanka Singh
- United health services hospital, Wilson medical center, New York
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6
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Demirci M, Ozben B, Sunbul M, Cincin A, Gurel YE, Bayram Guctekin T, Dogan Z, Sahinkaya Y, Direskeneli H, Tigen K, Sayar N. The evaluation of right ventricle dyssynchrony by speckle tracking echocardiography in systemic sclerosis patients. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2021; 49:895-902. [PMID: 34259351 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with right ventricle (RV) remodeling and dysfunction. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate RV dyssynchrony (RV-Dys) in SSc patients using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). METHODS Fifty-five SSc patients with functional class I-II and 45 healthy controls were consecutively included and underwent 2D-STE. RV-Dys was defined as the standard deviation of time to peak strain of mid and basal segments of RV free wall and interventricular septum. SSc group was further classified according to the presence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Patients with tricuspid regurgitant velocity >2.8 m/s with additional echocardiographic PAH signs were defined as SSc PAH (+). RESULTS SSc patients had lower RV longitudinal strain (RV-LS) (-17.6 ± 4.6% vs. -20.8 ± 2.8%, p < 0.001) and greater RV-Dys (49.9 ± 25.4 ms vs 24.3 ± 11.8 ms, p = 0.006) than controls despite no significant difference in conventional echocardiographic variables regarding RV function. Although SSc PAH(+) patients had lower RV-LS and higher RV-Dys than SSc PAH(-) patients, the differences were not statistically significant. The only independent predictor of RV-Dys was RV-LS (β:-0.324 [-3.89- -0.45]; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION SSc patients had not only reduced RV-LS but also impaired RV synchronicity even as conventional echocardiographic variables were preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Demirci
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Beste Ozben
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Sunbul
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Altug Cincin
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Emre Gurel
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuba Bayram Guctekin
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zekeriya Dogan
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Sahinkaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Haner Direskeneli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kursat Tigen
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurten Sayar
- Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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7
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Dumitru RB, Bissell LA, Erhayiem B, Fent G, Kidambi A, Swoboda P, Abignano G, Donica H, Burska A, Greenwood JP, Biglands J, Del Galdo F, Plein S, Buch MH. Predictors of subclinical systemic sclerosis primary heart involvement characterised by microvasculopathy and myocardial fibrosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:2934-2945. [PMID: 34080001 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES SSc primary heart involvement (SSc-pHI) is a significant cause of mortality. We aimed to characterize and identify predictors of subclinical SSc-pHI using cardiovascular MRI. METHODS A total of 83 SSc patients with no history of cardiovascular disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension and 44 healthy controls (HCs) underwent 3 Tesla contrast-enhanced cardiovascular MRI, including T1 mapping and quantitative stress perfusion. High-sensitivity troponin I and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were also measured. RESULTS Cardiovascular MRI revealed a lower myocardial perfusion reserve in the SSc patients compared with HCs {median (interquartile range (IQR)] 1.9 (1.6-2.4) vs 3 (2-3.6), P < 0.001}. Late gadolinium enhancement, indicating focal fibrosis, was observed in 17/83 patients but in none of the HCs, with significantly higher extracellular volume (ECV), suggestive of diffuse fibrosis, in SSc vs HC [mean (s.d.) 31 (4) vs 25 (2), P < 0.001]. Presence of late gadolinium enhancement and higher ECV was associated with skin score [odds ratio (OR) = 1.115, P = 0.048; R2 = 0.353, P = 0.004], and ECV and myocardial perfusion reserve was associated with the presence of digital ulcers at multivariate analysis (R2 = 0.353, P < 0.001; R2 = 0.238, P = 0.011). High-sensitivity troponin I was significantly higher in patients with late gadolinium enhancement, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was associated with ECV (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Subclinical SSc-pHI is characterized by myocardial microvasculopathy, diffuse and focal myocardial fibrosis but preserved myocardial contractile function. This subclinical phenotype of SSc-pHI was associated with high-sensitivity troponin I, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, SSc disease severity and complicated peripheral vasculopathy. These data provide information regarding the underlying pathophysiological processes and provide a basis for identifying individuals at risk of SSc-pHI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca B Dumitru
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds, UK
| | - Lesley-Anne Bissell
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds, UK
| | - Bara Erhayiem
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Graham Fent
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ananth Kidambi
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter Swoboda
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Giuseppina Abignano
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds, UK
| | - Helena Donica
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Burska
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds, UK
| | - John P Greenwood
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - John Biglands
- Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds, UK
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds, UK
| | - Sven Plein
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Maya H Buch
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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8
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Gul M, Moinuddin S, Alam A, Aftab I, Shah Z, Chaudhry A. Thoracic imaging finding of rheumatic diseases. J Thorac Dis 2020; 12:5110-5118. [PMID: 33145088 PMCID: PMC7578499 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2020.04.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the era of Precision Medicine, diagnostic imaging plays a key role in initial diagnosis and treatment response assessment in thoracic manifestation of various rheumatic disorders; resulting in increased dependency on imaging for treatment planning. Chest radiographs serve as a good initial screening tool for assessment of emergent and urgent thoracic conditions, e.g., pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, consolidation and pleural effusions. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, e.g., computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) are most commonly utilized to evaluate more detailed pulmonary and mediastinal manifestations of rheumatic conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound are most commonly used in cardiovascular, neural and musculoskeletal structures. This review article aims to highly key common thoracic imaging findings of rheumatic disorders, highlighting imaging test of choice for the particular disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Gul
- Department of Rheumatology, Southern California Kaiser Permanente, Lancaster, CA, 93534, USA
| | - Sadia Moinuddin
- Department of Internal Medicine, San Antonio Regional Medical Center, Upland, CA 91786, USA
| | - Aisha Alam
- Medical Student, Caribbean Medical University, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Iqra Aftab
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maimonides Medical Centre, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA
| | - Zunairah Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Louis A Weiss memorial hospital, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
| | - Ammar Chaudhry
- Department of Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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9
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of pericarditis most commonly complicating autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. RECENT FINDINGS Typically, pericarditis occurs in the context of a systemic flare of the underlying disease but infrequently, it is the presenting manifestation requiring a high index of suspicion to unravel the indolent cause. Pericardial involvement in rheumatic diseases encompasses a clinical spectrum to include acute, recurrent and incessant pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, asymptomatic pericardial effusion, and pericardial tamponade. Direct evidence on the pathophysiology of pericarditis in the context of rheumatic diseases is scant. It is theorized that immune perturbations within pericardial tissue result from the underlying central immunopathology of the respective autoimmune or autoinflammatory disease. Pericarditis management depends on acuity, the underlying cause and epidemiological features such as patient's immune status and geographic prevalence of infections such as tuberculosis. Immunosuppressive medications including biologics such as interleukin 1 blockers emerge as possible steroid sparing agents for pericarditis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Kontzias
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Amir Barkhodari
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - QingPing Yao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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10
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Cardiovascular Risk in Systemic Sclerosis. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN RHEUMATOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40674-020-00152-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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CMR feature tracking in cardiac asymptomatic systemic sclerosis: Clinical implications. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221021. [PMID: 31433819 PMCID: PMC6703686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired myocardial deformation has been sporadically described in cardiac asymptomatic systemic sclerosis (SSc). We aimed to study myocardial deformation indices in cardiac asymptomatic SSc patients using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) and correlate these findings to the phenotypic and autoimmune background. Methods Fifty-four cardiac asymptomatic SSc patients (44 females, 56±13 years), with normal routine cardiac assessment and CMR evaluation, including cine and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images, were included. SSc patients were compared to 21 sex- and age- matched healthy controls (17 females; 54±19 years). For CMR-FT analysis, a mid-ventricular slice for LV peak systolic radial and circumferential strain and a 4-chamber view for LV/RV peak systolic longitudinal strain were used. Results Twenty-four patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc and 30 limited cutaneous SSc. Thirteen patients had digital ulcers. Median disease duration was 3.6 years. LV ejection fraction was higher in SSc patients compared to controls (62±6% vs. 59±5%, p = 0.01). Four patients had no LGE examination; in the remaining patients LGE was absent in 74%, while 18% had RV insertion fibrosis and 8% evidence of subendocardial infarction. LV longitudinal strain differed in those with insertion fibrosis (-18.0%) and infarction (-16.7%) compared to no fibrosis (-20.3%, p = 0.04). Patients with SSc had lower RV longitudinal strain and strain rate compared to controls (p<0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). All other strain and strain rate measurements were non-significant between patients and controls. Conclusions In cardiac asymptomatic SSc patients with normal routine functional indices, CMR-FT identifies subclinical presence of insertion fibrosis and/or myocardial infarction by impaired LV longitudinal strain. RV derived longitudinal indices were impaired in the patient group. CMR FT indices did not correlate to the patients’ phenotypic and autoimmune features.
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12
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Rodrigues GD, Tobaldini E, Bellocchi C, Santaniello A, Caronni M, Severino A, Froldi M, Beretta L, da Silva Soares PP, Montano N. Cardiac autonomic modulation at rest and during orthostatic stress among different systemic sclerosis subsets. Eur J Intern Med 2019; 66:75-80. [PMID: 31202484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare autonomic heart rate variability (HRV) parameters at rest and during active stand in a population of SSc patients, taking into account SSc subsets age-matched to healthy control subjects. METHODS Sixty-nine consecutive SSc patients were enrolled in study; these included 12 subjects with early SSc, 39 with limited cutaneous (lcSSc) and 18 with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) along with 36 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). ECG and respiration were recorded in supine position and in orthostatism (ORT). HRV analysis was performed on samples of 300 beats. Spectral analysis identified two oscillatory components, low frequency (LFnu, sympathetic) and high frequency (HFnu, vagal). Symbolic analysis identified three patterns, 0 V%, (sympathetic) and 2UV% and 2LV%, (vagal). The %∆ORT was calculated from the differences between HRV in ORT and SUP, normalized (%) by the HRV values at rest. RESULTS SSc as a whole had higher markers of sympathetic (LF, 0 V%) and lower markers of vagal modulation (HR, 2UV%, 2LV%) compared to HCs. In addition, %∆LFnu, %∆HFnu, %∆0 V, %∆2UV and %∆2LV were lower in SSc than HC. dcSSc and lcSSc were dissimilar to HC as far as rest indexes were concerned (↑LF/HF, ↑LFnu, ↓HFnu, ↑0 V% and ↓2UV%) while no differences could be detected between HC and EaSSc. CONCLUSION SSc showed a reduced vagal and increased sympathetic modulation at rest and a blunted autonomic response to ORT in comparison to HC. These alterations were mostly detectable in the advanced and fibrotic forms of SSc (dcSSc and lcSSc), while EaSSc were similar to HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Dias Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil; National Institute for Science & Technology - INCT (In)activity & Exercise, CNPq, Niterói, (RJ) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eleonora Tobaldini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bellocchi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Scleroderma Unit, Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Santaniello
- Scleroderma Unit, Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Caronni
- Scleroderma Unit, Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Severino
- Scleroderma Unit, Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Froldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Beretta
- Scleroderma Unit, Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pedro Paulo da Silva Soares
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil; National Institute for Science & Technology - INCT (In)activity & Exercise, CNPq, Niterói, (RJ) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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13
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Defining primary systemic sclerosis heart involvement: A scoping literature review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2019; 48:874-887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Hekimsoy V, Kaya EB, Akdogan A, Sahiner L, Evranos B, Canpolat U, Aytemir K, Özer N, Tokgozoglu L. Echocardiographic assessment of regional right ventricular systolic function using two-dimensional strain echocardiography and evaluation of the predictive ability of longitudinal 2D-strain imaging for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis patients. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2018; 34:883-892. [PMID: 29322374 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-018-1299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized connective tissue disorder, and SSc patients are at risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aims of this study are to evaluate the right ventricular regional systolic function using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) and to determine the predictive ability of peak longitudinal systolic strain (PLSS) at the RV lateral wall for PAH in SSc patients. 80 SSc patients (mean age 51 ± 12 years) were included in the study. Echocardiography and 2D STE were performed at baseline and after 12 months. RHC was performed only in SSc patients with clinical indications. PLSS at the apical segment of the RV free wall was significantly impaired in PAH patients compared with non-PH patients (-14.6 ± 5.9 vs. - 22.2 ± 7.5%, p = 0.034). PLSS at the basal, mid, and apical segments of the RV free wall was lower in both groups at follow-up compared to baseline, but the drop in strain values was statistically significant only in the non-PH group (p < 0.05). Right atrial area (OR 1.758; p = 0.023), peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (OR 24.23; p = 0.011) and PLSS at the apical segment of the RV lateral wall (OR 2.47; p = 0.005) were independent predictors of PAH. A cut-off value of - 14.48% PLSS at the apical segment of the RV lateral wall resulted in 100% specificity for predicting PAH in SSc patients. RV pressure overload affects RV systolic function as manifested by impaired RV longitudinal deformation. Evaluating RV regional systolic function with 2D STE could be useful as an additional echocardiographic parameter for screening PAH in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedat Hekimsoy
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ergun Barıs Kaya
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Akdogan
- Department of Rheumatology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Levent Sahiner
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Banu Evranos
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ugur Canpolat
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kudret Aytemir
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Necla Özer
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lale Tokgozoglu
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Relationship Between Ventricular Arrhythmias, Conduction Disorders, and Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis. J Clin Rheumatol 2018; 24:25-33. [DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000000623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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16
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Dedeoglu R, Adroviç A, Oztunç F, Sahin S, Barut K, Kasapcopur O. New Insights into Cardiac Involvement in Juvenile Scleroderma: A Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Assessment Unveils Subclinical Ventricle Dysfunction. Pediatr Cardiol 2017; 38:1686-1695. [PMID: 28913656 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-017-1714-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac manifestations in juvenile scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (JSSc) have poor prognosis, begin in early stages of the disease, and remain clinically asymptomatic. New echocardiography modalities, such as 2D/3D speckle tracking (STE, strain analysis for regional and global ventricular functions), can detect cardiac involvement in early stages. We assessed 21 JSSc patients and 19 controls using 2D/3D STE. The left ventricular end diastolic volume, end systolic volume, and ejection fraction of the patient and control groups were significantly different (99.2 ± 23.8 vs. 52 ± 23.8, 40.6 ± 16.0 vs. 20.2 ± 17.4 and 59.2 ± 7.5 vs. 65.6 ± 5.2, respectively). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) were lower in the patient group (18.4 ± 4.7 vs. 22.4 ± 3.7, 26.4 ± 5.8 vs. 31.4 ± 3.5), as were the peak systolic strain values of the right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) septum and RVLS free wall (18.1 ± 6.8 vs. 24.8 ± 6.0 and 22.8 ± 5.9 vs. 28.0 ± 6.9, respectively). 3D measurements of RVEDV, RVESV, and RVSV were higher in the patient group (88.2 ± 31.3 vs. 50.8 ± 23.5, 43.1 ± 17.6 vs. 19.0 ± 12.2, and 45.0 ± 16.2 vs. 31.7 ± 12.6). RVLS freewall results were lower in the JSSc patients with interstitial lung fibrosis, arthritis, muscle weakness, weight loss, and anti-scl 70 antibodies than in the JSSc patients without these variables. We found that a GCS of <34.5% could identify patients for left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with a sensitivity of 93.3, specificity of 92.9, while an RVEF of <60.7% could identify patients for left ventricular (RV) dysfunction with a sensitivity of 92.9 and specificity of 21.4%. We highlighted key advantages of 3D STE for the tracking of early systolic dysfunction in patients with JSSc who would benefit from medical intervention for cardiac complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhan Dedeoglu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Amra Adroviç
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Funda Oztunç
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Sahin
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Barut
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kasapcopur
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Tadic M, Zlatanovic M, Cuspidi C, Stevanovic A, Kocijancic V, Pavlovic SU, Damjanov N, Celic V. Left atrial phasic function and heart rate variability in patients with systemic sclerosis: A new part of the old puzzle. Echocardiography 2017; 34:1447-1455. [PMID: 28782130 DOI: 10.1111/echo.13648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to research left atrial (LA) phasic function and heart rate variability (HRV), as well as their relationship, in subjects with uncomplicated systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS The investigation involved 44 SSc patients and 33 age-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent clinical examination, serological tests, 24-hours Holter monitoring, and echocardiographic examination including strain analysis. RESULTS Maximum, minimum, and pre-A LA volumes and volume indices were higher in the SSc patients than in the controls. The total emptying fraction, the parameter of the LA reservoir function, as well as passive LA emptying fraction, which represents the LA conduit function, were significantly lower in the SSc patients compared to the controls. Active LA emptying fraction, the parameter of the LA booster pump function, was significantly higher in the SSc participants. There was no difference in LA reservoir function between the diffuse and the limited SSc form. LA conduit function was significantly decreased, whereas LA booster pump function was compensatory increased in the diffuse SSc form compared to the limited SSc form. Similar results were obtained by LA strain analysis. HRV indices were significantly decreased in the SSc patients. Modified Rodnan skin score, the parameter of skin involvement in SSc, and HRV indices correlated well with LA phasic function in SSc. CONCLUSION Left atrial (LA) phasic function, assessed by both volumetric and strain method, as well as cardiac autonomic nervous function is significantly deteriorated in SSc patients. Skin score and HRV indices correlate with LA phasic function parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Tadic
- Cardiology Department, University Clinical Hospital Center "Dr. Dragisa Misovic - Dedinje,", Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Cesare Cuspidi
- Clinical Research Unit, University of Milan-Bicocca and Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Meda, Italy
| | - Ana Stevanovic
- Cardiology Department, University Clinical Hospital Center "Dr. Dragisa Misovic - Dedinje,", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Kocijancic
- Cardiology Department, University Clinical Hospital Center "Dr. Dragisa Misovic - Dedinje,", Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - Vera Celic
- Cardiology Department, University Clinical Hospital Center "Dr. Dragisa Misovic - Dedinje,", Belgrade, Serbia
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18
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Saito M, Wright L, Negishi K, Dwyer N, Marwick TH. Mechanics and prognostic value of left and right ventricular dysfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 19:660-667. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jex147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, 17 Liverpool St, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Leah Wright
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, 17 Liverpool St, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Kazuaki Negishi
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, 17 Liverpool St, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Nathan Dwyer
- Royal Hobart Hospital, 48 Liverpool St Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Thomas H Marwick
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, 17 Liverpool St, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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19
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Mavrogeni S, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Karabela G, Stavropoulos E, Katsifis G, Raftakis J, Plastiras S, Noutsias M, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Kolovou G. Silent myocarditis in systemic sclerosis detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance using Lake Louise criteria. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2017; 17:187. [PMID: 28716007 PMCID: PMC5513128 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-017-0619-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by microvascular abnormalities, inflammation and fibrosis. We hypothesized that myocarditis may be diagnosed in asymptomatic SSc, undergoing routine cardio-vascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for fibrosis assessment, using the Lake Louise criteria: T2 ratio, early (EGE) and late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) images. Methods Eighty-two asymptomatic SSc, diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria, aged 43 ± 5 yrs., 62 with diffuse (dSSc) and 20 with localized (lSSc) systemic sclerosis were evaluated by CMR, performed at 1.5 T scanner, according to Lake Louise criteria. Results CMR documented normal biventricular function in all SSc. However, 7/62 (11.2%) with dSSc and 2/20 (10%) with lSSc, had CMR signs of myocarditis according to Lake Louise criteria, without any clinical cardiac symptom. In these 9 patients, T2 ratio, EGE ratio and LGE (positive in all 9 SSc) were 2.8 ± 0.5%, 8 ± 3% and 5 ± 3% of LV mass, respectively. No correlation between CMR and blood inflammatory indices (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), cardiac troponin T, disease characteristics or type of SSc was identified. A repeat CMR at 6 months, after treatment with prednisone and azathioprine, showed normalisation of the acute inflammation CMR indices. Conclusions Silent myocarditis may be diagnosed using the Lake Louise paper criteria in SSc patients without cardiac symptoms, has no correlation with blood inflammatory indices, cardiac troponin or disease characteristics. CMR is a promising tool to diagnose silent myocarditis in SSc and monitor the response to immunosuppressive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 50 Esperou Street, 175-61 P.Faliro, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michel Noutsias
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Medical Care, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 50 Esperou Street, 175-61 P.Faliro, Athens, Greece
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20
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Tadic M, Zlatanovic M, Cuspidi C, Ivanovic B, Stevanovic A, Damjanov N, Kocijancic V, Celic V. The relationship between left ventricular deformation and heart rate variability in patients with systemic sclerosis: Two- and three-dimensional strain analysis. Int J Cardiol 2017; 236:145-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Fernández Morales A, Iniesta N, Fernández-Codina A, Vaz de Cunha J, Pérez Romero T, Hurtado García R, Simeón-Aznar CP, Fonollosa V, Cervera R, Espinosa G. Cardiac tamponade and severe pericardial effusion in systemic sclerosis: report of nine patients and review of the literature. Int J Rheum Dis 2016; 20:1582-1592. [PMID: 27943614 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) developing severe pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade. METHODS SSc patients with severe pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade from three Spanish hospitals were collected. In addition, a computer-assisted (PubMed, MEDLINE) search of the literature to identify all cases of cardiac tamponade or severe pericardial effusion associated with SSc reported in English, French and Spanish from 1987 through September 2015 was performed. RESULTS We included 40 patients (nine cases from the Spanish hospitals and 31 cases from the literature review). Most patients (87%) were female with a mean age at pericardial involvement of 49.3 ± 15.2 years (range: 18-80 years), and 22 (55%) patients had the diffuse cutaneous subtype. Twenty-five (63%) patients presented with cardiac tamponade and the remaining 15 (37%) as severe or massive pericardial effusion. Pericardial involvement was previous or simultaneous to SSc diagnosis in 13 (32.5%) cases. In most cases (88.9%) pericardial fluid analysis disclosed an exudate. Half the patients received steroids and 35% needed surgical treatment. Five (12.5%) patients died due to cardiac tamponade, three of them during the acute phase and the remaining two, 2 and 9 months later, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although cardiac tamponade or severe pericardial effusion is an infrequent complication in SSc patients, it can be the first manifestation of disease associated with the diffuse cutaneous subset. No specific treatment for this complication is known.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nerea Iniesta
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vicent Fonollosa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Espinosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Güllülü S, Kaderli AA, Ekbul A, Ozdemir B, Baran I, Güllülü M, Ediz B, Cordan J, Yurtkuran M. Tissue Doppler Echocardiography and Myocardial Performance Index in Patients with Scleroderma. J Int Med Res 2016; 33:417-24. [PMID: 16104445 DOI: 10.1177/147323000503300407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, left and right ventricular functions were examined echocardiographically in 22 patients with scleroderma and 22 healthy volunteers. Conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography and myocardial performance indexes were used as measures of right and left ventricular global functions. Mitral early diastolic E wave deceleration time, isovolumetric contraction time and left ventricular myocardial performance index and peak tricuspid A wave velocity were significantly higher in the scleroderma group compared with the control group. Mitral and tricuspid E/A ratios were significantly lower in patients with scleroderma. In addition, mitral annular and tricuspid annular isovolumetric relaxation times and the tricuspid E/E' ratio were significantly increased in scleroderma patients compared with the control group. In conclusion, in scleroderma patients the global left ventricular functions were depressed and diastolic function abnormalities were seen in both right and left ventricles. In addition, longitudinal muscle functions of the ventricles were depressed in scleroderma patients, as shown by tissue Doppler imaging parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Güllülü
- Department of Cardiology, Uludağ University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey.
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23
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Maron BA. Independence Day: Separating Right Ventricular Function From Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis. Circulation 2016; 133:2345-7. [PMID: 27169738 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.116.023237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley A Maron
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Department of Cardiology, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA.
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24
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Karna SK, Rohit MK, Wanchu A. Right ventricular thickness as predictor of global myocardial performance in systemic sclerosis: A Doppler tissue imaging study. Indian Heart J 2015; 67:521-8. [PMID: 26702679 PMCID: PMC4699958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a poor prognostic factor, due to pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction. We assessed the echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular (RV) function in SSc and correlated echocardiographic findings to clinical features of the disease. METHODS Thirty patients with SSc (cases) and 30 healthy, age-matched subjects (controls) were studied. Echocardiography, including tissue Doppler imaging, was used to evaluate cardiac function. RESULTS Pulmonary hypertension could be documented in only 5 cases by Doppler echo, using Bernoulli principle. RV diastolic function was significantly deranged in cases. RV systolic function and left ventricle (LV) diastolic function were also significantly deranged in the cases. RV thickness was increased in patients with SSc. There were no significant differences in the echocardiographic variables between diffuse and limited subtypes of SSc. Myocardial performance index (MPI) of both ventricles were increased in cases. We could demonstrate RV thickness as the single most important predictor of MPI of both ventricles with sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 72% for RV-MPI and 63% for LV-MPI. Diastolic function was not found to be affected by disease duration or Rodnan skin score. CONCLUSION Patients with SSc exhibit abnormal RV and LV diastolic functions as well as abnormal RV systolic function. RV wall thickness was found to be simple and the single best predictor of global myocardial performance. RV dysfunction may be a response to intermittent pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung parenchymal involvement, or secondary to LV diastolic dysfunction in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Karna
- Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiology, Pramukhswami Medical College, Anand, Gujarat 388325, India.
| | - M K Rohit
- Additional Professor, Department of Cardiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - A Wanchu
- Associate Professor, Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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25
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Ferrari G, Pratali S, Pucci A, Bortolotti U. Aortic valve replacement in systemic sclerosis. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2015; 16 Suppl 1:S60-1. [PMID: 24625565 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0b013e328365aa9d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease of the connective tissue, which can involve the cardiac valves, the mitral valve being more frequently affected, although involvement of the aortic valve has been rarely described. We report a patient with aortic stenosis and systemic sclerosis who required aortic valve replacement. Awareness of this rare association may help to provide adequate management of such patients and prevent complications related to the underlying disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ferrari
- aSection of Cardiac Surgery bSection of Pathology, University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
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26
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Hassoun PM. The right ventricle in scleroderma (2013 Grover Conference Series). Pulm Circ 2015; 5:3-14. [PMID: 25992267 DOI: 10.1086/679607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results from severe remodeling of the distal lung vessels leading irremediably to death through right ventricular (RV) failure. PAH (Group 1 of the World Health Organization classification of pulmonary hypertension) can be idiopathic (IPAH) or associated with other disorders, such as connective tissue diseases. Prominent among the latter is systemic sclerosis (SSc), a heterogeneous disorder characterized by endothelium dysfunction, dysregulation of fibroblasts resulting in excessive collagen production, and immune abnormalities. For as-yet-unknown reasons, SSc-associated PAH (SSc-PAH) carries a significantly worse prognosis compared with any other form of PAH in Group 1, including IPAH. We have previously shown that patients with SSc-PAH have a median survival of only 3 years, compared with 8 years for IPAH, despite modern PAH therapy. Because death is principally due to RV failure, we speculated that RV adaptation to PAH differed between the two entities due to disparate pulmonary artery loading, perhaps from vessel stiffening, or intrinsic RV myocardial disease that might limit function and adaptation to high afterload. In SSc, RV function may also be impaired by inflammatory processes, excess fibrosis of the myocardium, or altered angiogenesis, which may all contribute to impaired contractile reserve exacerbating cardiopulmonary impedance mismatch. This is now suggested by recent findings from our group that demonstrate that, although pulmonary vascular load may be similar between patients with IPAH and those with SSc-PAH, the latter display reduced myocardial contractility as assessed by pressure-volume loop measurements. This review focuses on fundamental hemodynamic, structural, and functional differences in RV from patients with SSc-PAH compared with IPAH, which may account for survival discrepancies between the two populations. Possible underlying basic mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Hassoun
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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27
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28
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The heart in rheumatic disease. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-09138-1.00035-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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29
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Myocardial perfusion defects in scleroderma detected by contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Radiol Med 2014; 119:885-894. [PMID: 24907065 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-014-0419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The authors investigated whether contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging may be used to detect early cardiac involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-six SSc patients (nine with diffuse cutaneous SSc and 17 with limited cutaneous SSc) and 13 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC) were studied. Contrast-enhanced CMR allowed the analysis of first-pass images (areas of hypo-enhancement indicating perfusion defects) and delayed images (persistent hyper-enhancement indicating fibrosis). Clinical variables including disease duration and presence of major visceral complications of SSc were investigated in each patient. RESULTS Perfusion defects were detected in 53.8 % of SSc patients but in none of the HC. Perfusion abnormalities were detected in 28.6 % of SSc patients with disease duration less than 2 years and in 29.2 % of asymptomatic SSc patients. Delayed contrast enhancement was present in 25 % of SSc patients but not in HC. All patients with delayed contrast enhancement showed first-pass hypoperfusion. Right ventricular wall thickness was significantly increased in all SSc patients when compared to HC (p < 0.001); a similar trend was observed when SSc patients without pulmonary arterial hypertension were analysed (p < 0.04). A trend to lower end-diastolic and end-systolic right ventricular volumes in SSc versus HC was observed (p < 0.05 and p < 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Myocardial hypoperfusion is common in SSc and occurs early in the course of the disease. Co-localisation of perfusion defects and delayed contrast enhancement indicative of fibrosis suggests that myocardial hypoxia may play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis.
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30
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Spethmann S, Rieper K, Riemekasten G, Borges AC, Schattke S, Burmester GR, Hewing B, Baumann G, Dreger H, Knebel F. Echocardiographic follow-up of patients with systemic sclerosis by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography of the left ventricle. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2014; 12:13. [PMID: 24678809 PMCID: PMC3986623 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-12-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subclinical myocardial involvement is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and associated with poor prognosis. Early detection, particularly during follow-up, is important. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has already been shown to detect early left ventricular systolic impairment in SSc patients with advanced disease. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of STE to diagnose changes in left ventricular function in patients with SSc with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and normal pulmonary pressure over time. Methods This single-center pilot study included nineteen SSc patients without pulmonary hypertension and preserved LVEF (55.2 ± 10.8 years, 13 women, mean modified Rodnan Skin Score of 8.2 ± 6.5, median disease duration 6 ± 4.5 years). We performed STE at baseline and after two years (mean 756.6 ± 8.8 days). Pulmonary hypertension was ruled out in all patients by right heart catheterization (average mean PAP 17.7 ± 3.5 mmHg). Results The LVEF remained unchanged (63.3 ± 4.2% vs. 63.2 ± 5.0%, P = ns), but the global longitudinal peak systolic strain of the left ventricle was significantly lower: baseline -22.0 ± 2.3% vs. follow-up -20.8 ± 2.1% (P = 0.04). The regional analysis showed a heterogeneous distribution of segmental systolic dysfunction that did not match any particular coronary artery distribution. In contrast, the LV diastolic function remained stable during follow-up. Conclusion STE might be a sensititive and valuable method to detect early LV systolic impairment in patients with SSc and preserved LVEF during two years. Prospective evaluations are needed for prognostic implications of these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Spethmann
- Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin D-10117, Germany.
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Abstract
Heart disease, either clinically apparent or silent, is a frequent complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) and may affect both patients with diffuse cutaneous and limited cutaneous SSc. The availability of more sensitive modalities has led to an increased awareness of scleroderma heart disease, which often involves the pericardium, myocardium, and cardiac conduction system. This awareness of cardiac involvement requires attention and interventions led by internists, cardiologists, and rheumatologists. Although no specific therapy exists for scleroderma heart disease, early recognition of the presence and type of scleroderma heart disease may lead to more effective management of patients with scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Parks
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Tissue Doppler imaging in systemic sclerosis: a 3-year longitudinal study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2013; 43:673-80. [PMID: 24262931 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate by standard echocardiography and pulsed-tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) the course of systemic sclerosis (SSc) heart disease and its correlation with epidemiological, clinical, and serological features of the disease and drug treatment. METHODS A total of 74 consecutive patients (69 females, between the ages of 19 and 71 years, and disease duration 1-43 years) and 71 controls underwent cardiac assessment at baseline and at 3-year follow-up. RESULTS At baseline, compared to controls, patients showed post-Bonferroni correction, impaired left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) diastolic function (Em/Am 0.85 ± 0.4 vs 1.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.0003; Et/At 0.9 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.4, p = 0.0003), subtle LV and RV systolic dysfunction (Sm 13.7 ± 2.7 vs 15.4 ± 3.2cm/s, p = 0.031; St < 11.5cm/s in 16/74 patients vs 0 controls, p = 0.0031), and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (sPAP) (26.1 ± 6.0 vs 24.1 ± 5.1, p = 0.040). At 3-year follow-up, SSc patients showed a further deterioration of biventricular diastolic and systolic function and a further sPAP increase. At multiple regression analysis of baseline data, Em/Am < 1 was detected in 55/74 patients vs 25/71 controls (p < 0.0001) and was associated with age (p = 0.030); Et/At < 1 was detected in 16/74 patients vs 7/71 controls (p < 0.0001), was associated with NYHA class ≥ II (p = 0.033), late capillaroscopic pattern (p = 0.029), and a baseline cardiac Medsger severity score ≥ 1 (p = 0.029). TDI evidence of new abnormalities in RV and/or LV diastolic function was associated with a baseline cardiac Medsger severity score ≥ 1 (p = 0.01). Neither diastolic or systolic abnormalities nor sPAP changes correlated with treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms that SSc patients exhibit biventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction and increased sPAP and reveals further deterioration at 3-year follow-up.
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Zanetti CB, Lopes MB, Lyrio AM, Campos PRD, Bonfiglioli R, Teixeira MAB. Case 3: - congestive heart failure in male with systemic sclerosis. Arq Bras Cardiol 2013; 101:e1-7. [PMID: 23917511 PMCID: PMC3998171 DOI: 10.5935/abc.20130134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caio Bosquiero Zanetti
- Grupo de Estudos em Correlação Anatomoclínica (GECAC), Faculdade de Medicina da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Campinas, SP – Brazil
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Vacca A, Montisci R, Garau P, Siotto P, Piga M, Cauli A, Ruscazio M, Meloni L, Iliceto S, Mathieu A. Prognostic impact of coronary microcirculation abnormalities in systemic sclerosis: a prospective study to evaluate the role of non-invasive tests. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R8. [PMID: 23302110 PMCID: PMC3672666 DOI: 10.1186/ar4136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microcirculation dysfunction is a typical feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and represents the earliest abnormality of primary myocardial involvement. We assessed coronary microcirculation status by combining two functional tests in SSc patients and estimating its impact on disease outcome. Methods Forty-one SSc patients, asymptomatic for coronary artery disease, were tested for coronary flow velocity reserve (CFR) by transthoracic-echo-Doppler with adenosine infusion (A-TTE) and for left ventricular wall motion abnormalities (WMA) by dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Myocardial multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) enabled the presence of epicardial stenosis, which could interfere with the accuracy of the tests, to be excluded. Patient survival rate was assessed over a 6.7- ± 3.5-year follow-up. Results Nineteen out of 41 (46%) SSc patients had a reduced CFR (≤2.5) and in 16/41 (39%) a WMA was observed during DSE. Furthermore, 13/41 (32%) patients showed pathological CFR and WMA. An inverse correlation between wall motion score index (WMSI) during DSE and CFR value (r = -0.57, P <0.0001) was observed; in addition, CFR was significantly reduced (2.21 ± 0.38) in patients with WMA as compared to those without (2.94 ± 0.60) (P <0.0001). In 12 patients with abnormal DSE, MDCT was used to exclude macrovasculopathy. During a 6.7- ± 3.5-year follow-up seven patients with abnormal coronary functional tests died of disease-related causes, compared to only one patient with normal tests. Conclusions A-TTE and DSE tests are useful tools to detect non-invasively pre-clinical microcirculation abnormalities in SSc patients; moreover, abnormal CFR and WMA might be related to a worse disease outcome suggesting a prognostic value of these tests, similar to other myocardial diseases.
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Spethmann S, Dreger H, Schattke S, Riemekasten G, Borges AC, Baumann G, Knebel F. Two-dimensional speckle tracking of the left ventricle in patients with systemic sclerosis for an early detection of myocardial involvement. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2012; 13:863-70. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jes047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a collagen vascular disease characterized by diverse organ system involvement, is associated with serious cardiac complications. Cardiac symptoms are much less frequent than autopsy-demonstrated cardiac involvement. Although frequent calls for early diagnosis have been made, validated strategies for assessment of scleroderma cardiac disease are not yet well established, mainly because the right ventricle, a common target of the disease, presents considerable obstacles to simple and reliable appraisal of its structure and function. This article reviews the current information about cardiac dysfunction in scleroderma, with special emphasis on its detection and prognostic implications. RECENT FINDINGS Cardiac involvement is a harbinger of poor prognosis in patients with SSc. Recent progress in its diagnosis has been made with the availability of more sophisticated diagnostic tools. SUMMARY Early detection of scleroderma heart disease will allow exploration of novel therapies with potential positive impact on the quality of life and life expectancy of this patient population.
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Bellando-Randone S, Guiducci S, Matucci-Cerinic M. Patient subgroups and potential risk factors in systemic sclerosis: is there a possibility of an early diagnosis? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.2217/ijr.10.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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41
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Overbeek MJ, Mouchaers KTB, Niessen HM, Hadi AM, Kupreishvili K, Boonstra A, Voskuyl AE, Belien JAM, Smit EF, Dijkmans BC, Vonk-Noordegraaf A, Grünberg K. Characteristics of interstitial fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in right ventricles of systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Int J Rheumatol 2010; 2010:604615. [PMID: 20936074 PMCID: PMC2949592 DOI: 10.1155/2010/604615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. Systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SScPAH) has a disturbed function of the right ventricle (RV) when compared to idiopathic PAH (IPAH). Systemic sclerosis may also affect the heart. We hypothesize that RV differences may occur at the level of interstitial inflammation and-fibrosis and compared inflammatory cell infiltrate and fibrosis between the RV of SScPAH, IPAH, and healthy controls. Methods. Paraffin-embedded tissue samples of RV and left ventricle (LV) from SScPAH (n = 5) and IPAH (n = 9) patients and controls (n = 4) were picrosirius red stained for detection of interstitial fibrosis, which was quantified semiautomatically. Neutrophilic granulocytes (MPO), macrophages (CD68), and lymphocytes (CD45) were immunohistochemically stained and only interstitial leukocytes were counted. Presence of epi- or endocardial inflammation, and of perivascular or intimal fibrosis of coronary arteries was assessed semiquantitatively (0-3: absent to extensive). Results. RV's of SScPAH showed significantly more inflammatory cells than of IPAH (cells/mm(2), mean ± sd MPO 11 ± 3 versus 6 ± 1; CD68 11 ± 3 versus 6 ± 1; CD45 11 ± 1 versus 5 ± 1 , P < .05) and than of controls. RV interstitial fibrosis was similar in SScPAH and IPAH (4 ± 1 versus 5 ± 1%, P = .9), and did not differ from controls (5 ± 1%, P = .8). In 4 SScPAH and 5 IPAH RV's foci of replacement fibrosis were found. No differences were found on epi- or endocardial inflammation or on perivascular or intimal fibrosis of coronary arteries. Conclusion. SScPAH RVs display denser inflammatory infiltrates than IPAH, while they do not differ with respect to interstitial fibrosis. Whether increased inflammatory status is a contributor to altered RV function in SScPAH warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Overbeek
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen T. B. Mouchaers
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans M. Niessen
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Awal M. Hadi
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koba Kupreishvili
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anco Boonstra
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre E. Voskuyl
- Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen A. M. Belien
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Egbert F. Smit
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben C. Dijkmans
- Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Vonk-Noordegraaf
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien Grünberg
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, NL 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Poanta L, Dadu R, Tiboc C, Rednic S, Dumitrascu D. Systolic and diastolic function in patients with systemic sclerosis. Eur J Intern Med 2009; 20:378-82. [PMID: 19524178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2008.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Revised: 09/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical and epidemiological findings indicate that symptomatic heart disease in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) predicts poor prognosis, but cardiac involvement may occur years before clinical manifestation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac function in patients with SSc and to correlate the echocardiographic parameters with others that quantify the diseases' severity. METHODS Twenty consecutive patients with SSc were investigated with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Two dimensional, pulsed Doppler and pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) techniques were used, in all the patients, to assess the systolic and diastolic function for left ventricle (LV). Correlations were made between echocardiographic measurements and some clinical and serological features of the patients. RESULTS None of the patients had any clinical signs of cardiac involvement, nor ECG or TTE systolic function impairment; there are significant differences between systemic sclerosis patients and control group for peak A velocity (0.75+/-0.22 vs 0.57+/-0.32, P=0.05), E/A ratio (1.14+/-0.22 vs 1.48+/-0.26, P=0.01), E/Ea ratio (8.25+/-1.57 vs 7+/-2.2, P=0.05), which account for filling impairment of LV. There are also significant correlations between some other parameters, like the mean duration of Raynaud's phenomenon and E/Ea ratio (r=0.48, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The analysis of SSc heart disease, mainly at a preclinical level, is important in all the cases as an asymptomatic patient may have diastolic dysfunction which can be treated and should be closely observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Poanta
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu, 2nd Medical Department, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
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Abnormalities of Left Ventricular Function in Asymptomatic Patients with Systemic Sclerosis Using Doppler Measures of Myocardial Strain. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2008; 21:1257-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kepez A, Akdogan A, Sade LE, Deniz A, Kalyoncu U, Karadag O, Hayran M, Aytemir K, Ertenli I, Kiraz S, Calguneri M, Kabakci G, Tokgozoglu L. Detection of subclinical cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis by echocardiographic strain imaging. Echocardiography 2008; 25:191-7. [PMID: 18269564 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2007.00582.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac involvement is one of the major problems in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Subclinical cardiac involvement has a higher frequency than thought previously. In this study we investigated whether subclinical cardiac involvement can be detected by using echocardiographic strain imaging in SSc patients without pulmonary hypertension. METHODS Echocardiographic examinations were performed to 27 SSc patients and 26 healthy controls. Left ventricular strain parameters were obtained from apical views and average strain value was calculated from these measurements. RESULTS There were no significant differences between patients and controls regarding two-dimensional (2D), conventional Doppler and tissue Doppler velocity measurements. Strain was reduced in 6 of 12 segments of the left ventricle (LV) and in 1 of 2 segments of the right ventricle (RV). Strain rate (SR) was reduced in 2 of 12 segments of the LV and 1 of 2 segments of the RV in SSc patients as compared to controls (P < 0.05 for all). These involvements did not match any particular coronary artery distribution. More important differences were detected by average strain and SR values of the LV between patients and controls (19.78 +/- 3.00% vs 23.41 +/- 2.73%, P < 0.001; 2.01 +/- 0.41 vs 2.23 +/- 0.27/sec, P = 0.026, respectively). Furthermore, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) in scleroderma patients significantly correlated with LV average strain (r = 0.59; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Evaluation of ventricular function by using echocardiographic strain imaging appears to be useful to detect subclinical cardiac involvement in SSc patients with normal standard echocardiographic and tissue Doppler velocity findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alper Kepez
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Abstract
The heart is one of the major organs involved in scleroderma, the involvement of which can be manifested by myocardial disease, conduction system abnormalities, arrhythmias, or pericardial disease. Additionally, scleroderma renal crisis and pulmonary hypertension lead to significant cardiac dysfunction secondary to damage in the kidney and lung. This article summarizes the types and mechanism of abnormalities in the heart in scleroderma. The concept of cardiac dysfunction in scleroderma and other rheumatologic conditions has received new interest with the advent of newer noninvasive imaging techniques, as well as the interest in detecting subclinical disease. With this increased interest in cardiac manifestations in scleroderma comes the realization that long-term studies are needed to better assess the appropriate screening and treatment in this patient population.
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Leyngold I, Baughman K, Kasper E, Ardehali H. Comparison of survival among patients with connective tissue disease and cardiomyopathy (systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and undifferentiated disease). Am J Cardiol 2007; 100:513-7. [PMID: 17659938 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2007.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2006] [Revised: 03/06/2007] [Accepted: 03/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue disease (CTD) encompasses several disease or abnormal states characterized by inflammatory or degenerative changes in connective tissue. These disorders affect many organs, including the heart. However, the long-term survival of patients with cardiomyopathy and CTD is not known. The prognostic implications of different categories of CTD were studied in patients with cardiomyopathy. One thousand seven hundred patients with initially unexplained cardiomyopathy who underwent endomyocardial biopsy from 1983 to 2003 at The Johns Hopkins Hospital were evaluated. Seventy-one subjects were diagnosed with CTD. This cohort was followed for an average of 5.1 years. Among the different disorder categories within CTD, there was a significantly lower survival rate for subjects with undifferentiated CTD (adjusted hazard ratio for death 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.27 to 4.48, p = 0.007) and a trend toward decreased survival in patients with systemic sclerosis (adjusted hazard ratio for death 1.75, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 3.29, p = 0.081) compared with those with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). No significant survival difference was observed between systemic lupus erythematosus and idiopathic DCM (p = 0.41). The long-term outcomes of subjects with CTD and myocarditis were not statistically different from the outcomes of those with CTD and no myocarditis (p = 0.71). In conclusion, the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and either undifferentiated CTD or systemic sclerosis appears to be a poor prognostic indicator compared with the diagnosis of idiopathic DCM. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiomyopathy have a similar prognosis to those with idiopathic DCM. Finally, the presence of myocarditis does not alter the survival of patients with CTD and cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Leyngold
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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47
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Park YW, Woo H, Yoon HJ, Park HW, Cho JG, Shin SS, Lee SS. Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol 2007; 36:68-70. [PMID: 17454939 DOI: 10.1080/03009740600759894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The term "systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma" (ssSSc) has been used to designate a rare progressive systemic sclerosis of visceral organs without skin manifestations. A variety of visceral organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, lung, heart, and kidney, can be involved. We describe a case of 59-year-old female patient with both Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and ssSSc. She was diagnosed as having ssSSc with Raynaud's phenomenon, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-topoisomerase antibody positivity, interstitial pulmonary infiltrates, suspected pulmonary hypertension, subclinical oesophageal dysmotility but no skin thickening. She had a history of paroxysmal tachycardia together with Raynaud's phenomenon and exercise-induced dyspnoea. Electrophysiological study confirmed WPW syndrome with left posterior bypass tract. This case highlights cardiac arrhythmia caused by WPW syndrome as a clinical manifestation of the heart in ssSSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-W Park
- Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School, University Hospital, 8 Hak-Dong, Dong-Ku, Gwangju 501-757, Republic of Korea.
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Fischer A, Misumi S, Curran-Everett D, Meehan RT, Ulrich SK, Swigris JJ, Frankel SK, Cosgrove GP, Lynch DA, Brown KK. Pericardial Abnormalities Predict the Presence of Echocardiographically Defined Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease. Chest 2007; 131:988-92. [PMID: 17426200 DOI: 10.1378/chest.06-2317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and significance of pericardial abnormalities in systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD). METHODS Retrospective study of 41 subjects with SSc-related ILD who underwent evaluation including thoracic high-resolution CT (HRCT) imaging, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and pulmonary function testing. HRCT review evaluated the pericardium for the presence of pericardial effusion (PEf), thickness of the anterior pericardial recess (APR) [abnormal defined as > 10 mm], and pericardial thickening as calculated by total pericardial score (TPS) [abnormal defined as > 8 mm]. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was defined as a pulmonary artery pressure > 35 mm Hg estimated by TTE. RESULTS Fifty-nine percent had an abnormal pericardium, 49% had a PEf, 56% had an abnormal APR, and 49% had an abnormal TPS. An abnormal pericardium was more common in men than women. Subjects with and without pericardial abnormalities were otherwise similar with respect to age, SSc classification, autoantibodies, ILD radiographic pattern, and presence of esophageal dilation. Both groups had similar median percentage of predicted total lung capacity, percentage of predicted FVC, percentage of predicted FEV(1), and percentage of predicted diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Subjects with pericardial abnormalities were more likely to have coexistent PAH (35% vs 75%; p = 0.02) and a higher median right ventricular systolic pressure (31 mm Hg vs 44 mm Hg; p = 0.03). Multiple logistic regression revealed that TPS was the best individual predictor of the presence of TTE-defined PAH. CONCLUSIONS In patients with SSc-related ILD, pericardial abnormalities are commonly seen on HRCT, and their presence is strongly associated with echocardiographically defined PAH, with abnormal TPS as the best individual predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryeh Fischer
- Division of Rheumatology, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206.
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Silveira-Torre LH. [Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis]. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2006; 2 Suppl 3:S31-S36. [PMID: 21794385 DOI: 10.1016/s1699-258x(06)73105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SS) can involve the pericardium, myocardium, conduction system, and cardiac valves. The presence of overt clinical signs of cardiac disease is a poor prognostic sign. Clinical manifestations include dyspnea, palpitations, chest pain, syncope, and symptoms of right heart failure. Prevalence of clinically symptomatic pericardial disease is 5-16%. However, ecocardiographic prevalence is 5.4- 41% and at autopsy is 33-77.5%. Patchy fibrosis is the characteristic myocardial finding in SS. Contraction band necrosis is the typical pathological finding. Important complications of fibrosis include left ventricular hypertrophy, as well as systolic and diastolic dysfunction of both ventricles. Early detection of these abnormalities is very important, mainly of the diastolic dysfunction, since it occurs before the systolic dysfunction and can predict important cardiac damage. Association of skeletal myositis with myocardial disease has been described. Patients with skeletal myositis are more likely to develop congestive heart failure, sustained symptomatic arrythmias, and cardiac sudden death. Coronary arteries are normal in systemic sclerosis, but there is no endomyocardial vessel involvement. There is an increased prevalence of arrhytmias, mainly premature atrial and ventricular contractions, as well as conduction system disease. Cardiac valvular involvement is minor in systemic sclerosis; mitral valve is the most frequently affected. Other abnormalities described in this disease include peripheral large vessels stiffness and secondary cardiac involvement due to pulmonary and systemic arterial hypertension. Cardiac involvement confers a high morbi-mortality risk in systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis H Silveira-Torre
- Departamento de Bioquímica. Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. México DF. México
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