Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Acute Heart Failure in Advanced Systemic Sclerosis With Multiorgan Involvement
Hanna Maria Eivindson1, Esben Uggerby Naesser2, Per Ivarsen3
1Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark, auh.dk.
Case Reports in Cardiology
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Heart failure is rarely caused by autoimmune diseases. This case highlights diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) presenting initially with severe heart failure, emphasizing its potential for significant cardiac morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Heart failure is infrequently associated with autoimmune conditions.
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by microvascular damage and fibrosis.
- Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) involves widespread skin and internal organ manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of dcSSc presenting initially with severe heart failure.
- To underscore the importance of considering cardiac involvement in SSc.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and clinical significance of primary cardiac manifestations in dcSSc.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a male patient in his 60s with no prior cardiovascular risk factors.
- Clinical presentation included dyspnea, pulmonary edema, cyanosis, ischemic ulcers, dysphagia, and weight loss.
- Diagnostic workup involved echocardiography, computed tomography, and confirmation of dcSSc.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction of 10%) and cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
- Imaging studies ruled out malignancy but confirmed pulmonary edema and pleural effusion.
- The patient was diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) as the underlying cause.
Conclusions:
- Primary cardiac involvement as an initial presentation of dcSSc is uncommon.
- Cardiac complications in dcSSc can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Early recognition and management of cardiac dysfunction are crucial in patients with dcSSc.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:26Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
01:30Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
01:23Rheumatic 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...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:30Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...