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Factors associated with pericardial effusion development and persistence in systemic sclerosis: a single-centre

Nikolaos Koletsos1, Evripidis Kaltsonoudis1, Eleftherios Pelechas1

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece.

Rheumatology International
|July 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Pericardial effusion (PerEff) is common in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). This heart condition is linked to pulmonary hypertension, lung disease, telangiectasias, and inflammation, impacting SSc patient management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Heart involvement is a major cause of mortality in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).
  • Pericardial effusion (PerEff) is a recognized cardiac manifestation in SSc patients.
  • Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of PerEff in SSc is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of ever and persistent pericardial effusion in Systemic Sclerosis patients.
  • To identify clinical and serological factors associated with the presence and persistence of pericardial effusion in SSc.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 290 adult SSc patients from an Outpatient Unit until June 2024.
  • Data collected included demographics, disease features, serology, and organ involvement.
  • Patients were categorized into single, persistent, or never PerEff groups based on echocardiogram results.

Main Results:

  • 24.5% of SSc patients had at least one echocardiogram positive for PerEff; 13.2% had persistent PerEff.
  • Ever PerEff was associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH), interstitial lung disease (ILD), telangiectasias, and elevated ESR.
  • Persistent PerEff showed similar associations with PH, ILD, telangiectasias, and elevated ESR.

Conclusions:

  • Pericardial effusion is a frequent manifestation in Systemic Sclerosis.
  • The presence of PH, ILD, telangiectasias, and elevated inflammatory markers are significant predictors of PerEff in SSc.
  • These findings highlight the clinical importance of monitoring PerEff in SSc for improved disease course and treatment strategies.

Keywords:
Interstitial lung diseasePericardial effusionPulmonary hypertensionRisk factorsSystemic sclerosis

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