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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Left ventricular aneurysms developed in a patient with systemic sclerosis
Yoshinori Taniguchi1, Susumu Nishiyama, Yasuhiko Yoshinaga
1Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, 783-8505, Japan. yoshii-tan@star.quolia.com
Modern Rheumatology
|December 18, 2007
Summary
Systemic sclerosis can cause rare heart complications like ventricular aneurysms. This case highlights myocardial fibrosis as a potential cause in patients without coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs.
- Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis can manifest in various forms, including fibrosis and heart failure.
- Primary biliary cirrhosis and lung fibrosis are known comorbidities associated with systemic sclerosis.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old woman presented with heart failure.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed ventricular aneurysms in the left ventricle.
- Coronary angiography showed no evidence of coronary artery stenosis.
Findings:
- Myocardial biopsy confirmed diffuse focal myocardial fibrosis.
- The patient had a confirmed diagnosis of systemic sclerosis, lung fibrosis, and primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Ventricular aneurysms were identified as a rare complication in this patient, independent of coronary artery disease.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac complications in systemic sclerosis, even in the absence of typical coronary artery disease.
- Myocardial fibrosis should be recognized as a potential mechanism leading to ventricular aneurysms in systemic sclerosis.
- Further research into the cardiac manifestations of systemic sclerosis is warranted to improve patient outcomes.
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