Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

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Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis: A critical review of knowledge gaps and opportunities

Xaviar M Jones1, Nunzio Bottini2, Francesco Boin2

  • 1Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Journal of Scleroderma and Related Disorders
|January 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) can cause heart complications in up to 30% of patients. This review covers SSc cardiac disease mechanisms, diagnostics, and treatments to improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently leads to cardiovascular complications, affecting up to one-third of patients.
  • Early diagnosis and management of SSc-associated cardiac disease are hindered by complex pathophysiology and varied presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms underlying SSc-associated cardiac disease.
  • To discuss novel diagnostic tools for early identification.
  • To explore emerging therapeutic strategies for SSc cardiac involvement.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular mechanisms in SSc cardiac pathogenesis.
  • Analysis of current and emerging diagnostic modalities.
  • Survey of novel and experimental therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Detailed examination of molecular pathways contributing to SSc cardiac dysfunction.
  • Highlighting advancements in diagnostic imaging and biomarkers.
  • Identification of promising therapeutic targets and treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding molecular mechanisms is crucial for managing SSc cardiac disease.
  • Novel diagnostics offer improved early detection capabilities.
  • Emerging therapies hold promise for better patient outcomes in SSc-associated heart conditions.

Keywords:
Systemic sclerosisautoimmune diseasecardiovascular complicationscardiovascular diseaseheart failure

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