Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
04:44

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Published on: June 16, 2020

22.1K

Systemic sclerosis and the heart

John L Parks1, Marian H Taylor, Laura P Parks

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.

Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America
|November 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently causes heart disease, impacting the pericardium, myocardium, and conduction system. Early recognition of scleroderma heart disease is crucial for effective patient management, despite the lack of specific therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Heart disease is a common complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc), affecting both diffuse and limited cutaneous forms.
  • Increased awareness of scleroderma heart disease stems from advancements in sensitive diagnostic modalities.
  • Cardiac involvement in SSc often manifests in the pericardium, myocardium, and cardiac conduction system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the prevalence and multifaceted nature of cardiac complications in systemic sclerosis.
  • To emphasize the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in managing scleroderma heart disease.
  • To underscore the importance of early detection for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical awareness regarding cardiac involvement in SSc.
  • Analysis of how sensitive diagnostic tools have increased the recognition of scleroderma heart disease.
  • Discussion of the typical patterns of cardiac affection in SSc patients.

Main Results:

  • Scleroderma heart disease is a frequent, often silent, complication of systemic sclerosis.
  • Cardiac involvement encompasses the pericardium, myocardium, and conduction system.
  • Early identification of the specific type of heart disease is key.

Conclusions:

  • While no specific treatment exists for scleroderma heart disease, early diagnosis is vital.
  • Multidisciplinary management involving internists, cardiologists, and rheumatologists is essential.
  • Prompt recognition and management can lead to more effective care for patients with SSc.

Keywords:
Conduction abnormalitiesHeart diseaseMyocardial fibrosisPericarditisSclerodermaSystemic sclerosis

More Related Videos

Vasodilation of Isolated Vessels and the Isolation of the Extracellular Matrix of Tight-skin Mice08:09

Vasodilation of Isolated Vessels and the Isolation of the Extracellular Matrix of Tight-skin Mice

Published on: March 24, 2017

7.3K
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

9.9K

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
1.0K
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
1.3K
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
957
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
647
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
828
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
798