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Updated: May 29, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Cardiovascular disease in systemic sclerosis--an emerging association?
Gene-Siew Ngian1, Joanne Sahhar, Ian P Wicks
1The University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital/Western Hospital), 4th Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. gngian@student.unimelb.edu.au
Arthritis Research & Therapy
|September 6, 2011
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) involves microvascular disease, but macrovascular disease, like coronary heart disease, is less understood. Further research is needed to confirm increased cardiovascular events in SSc patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by microvascular disease, leading to complications like Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- The role and prevalence of macrovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease (CHD), in SSc remain unclear.
- The relative contributions of atherosclerotic macrovascular disease versus myocardial microvascular disease to cardiac involvement in SSc are debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in SSc.
- To explore shared pathophysiological mechanisms between SSc and atherosclerosis.
- To examine surrogate markers of CVD assessed in SSc patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cardiovascular disease in systemic sclerosis.
- Discussion of pathophysiological pathways common to SSc and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of surrogate markers for cardiovascular risk in SSc.
Main Results:
- Endothelial dysfunction, reduced endothelial progenitor cells, and increased microparticles are implicated in SSc vasculopathy and atherosclerosis.
- Surrogate markers suggest increased cardiovascular risk in SSc, including arterial stiffness, carotid intima thickening, and reduced flow-mediated dilation.
- The precise incidence of cardiovascular events in SSc requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- While microvascular disease is established in SSc, macrovascular disease and its impact on cardiovascular events need clarification.
- Shared mechanisms link SSc and atherosclerosis, suggesting a potential for increased cardiovascular risk.
- Large cohort studies are essential to determine if SSc patients experience a higher incidence of cardiovascular events.
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