Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients
09:09

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients

Published on: April 3, 2026

Scleroderma and coronary artery disease: a case report

Jomal Mathew1, Vir Singh Negi, Jayaraman Balachander

  • 1Department of Medicine, JIPMER, Puducherry, India. mathewjomal@yahoo.co.in

Indian Heart Journal
|February 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights a rare instance of scleroderma combined with ischemic heart disease in a 35-year-old woman. The patient showed evidence of myocardial infarction and significant coronary artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
  • Ischemic heart disease (IHD) encompasses conditions caused by narrowed heart arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • The co-occurrence of scleroderma and IHD is infrequent, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 35-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of cardiac compromise.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) indicated a history of inferior wall myocardial infarction.
  • Coronary angiography was performed to assess for coronary artery disease.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease.
  • Significant coronary artery disease was identified during coronary angiography.
  • The findings suggest a potential link between scleroderma and the development of ischemic heart disease.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering cardiovascular complications in patients with scleroderma.
  • Early recognition and management of ischemic heart disease in scleroderma patients may improve outcomes.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting scleroderma and coronary artery disease.

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...