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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Cardiac complications of systemic sclerosis
A Kahan1, G Coghlan, V McLaughlin
1Department of Rheumatology A, Cochin Hospital, University of Paris Descartes, AP-HP, Paris, France. andre.kahan@cch.aphp.fr
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|June 3, 2009
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) often involves subclinical cardiac issues, potentially leading to fibrosis and heart failure. Early screening with echocardiography and NT-proBNP is recommended for SSc patients to detect cardiac symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Systemic Sclerosis
Background:
- Subclinical cardiac involvement is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- Overt cardiac manifestations in SSc correlate with poor prognosis and management challenges.
Observation:
- Primary myocardial disease in SSc is hypothesized to stem from microvascular ischemia.
- Early, undetected cardiac changes can silently progress to myocardial fibrosis.
- Symptoms like arrhythmia and heart failure can manifest abruptly in SSc patients.
Findings:
- Annual echocardiography and NT-proBNP evaluation are practical screening methods for SSc patients.
- These screenings aim to anticipate cardiac symptom development.
Implications:
- Limited evidence exists for specific therapies, but early treatment with calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors may enhance myocardial function.
- Standard management is advised for overt cardiac disease in SSc.
- Further research is needed to determine if early intervention can halt the progression of life-threatening cardiac complications in SSc.
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