Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
21.0K
A critical view on cardiovascular risk in systemic sclerosis
Antonios Psarras1, Stergios Soulaidopoulos2, Alexandros Garyfallos2
1Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Rheumatology International
|July 14, 2016
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients may have increased cardiovascular disease risk. This review examines atherosclerosis prevalence and shared mechanisms in SSc and macrovascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease causing microvascular injury and fibrosis.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality in SSc, linked to microvascular dysfunction and fibrosis.
- The prevalence of macrovascular disease, specifically atherosclerosis, in SSc remains unclear, with conflicting study results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on cardiovascular disease prevalence in Systemic Sclerosis.
- To evaluate surrogate markers used to assess CVD in SSc patients.
- To explore potential shared pathogenic mechanisms between SSc and macrovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on SSc and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of studies assessing atherosclerosis markers in SSc patients.
- Examination of etiological links between SSc and atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- Primary cardiac involvement in SSc significantly impacts prognosis.
- Evidence regarding atherosclerotic coronary disease in SSc is controversial.
- Further research is needed to clarify the relationship and shared pathways.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular disease is a critical concern in Systemic Sclerosis management.
- The role of atherosclerosis in SSc requires further investigation.
- Understanding shared mechanisms may lead to improved patient outcomes.
