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Electrocardiogram in progressive systemic sclerosis. Analysis of 73 cases
Acta Cardiologica
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Electrocardiographic abnormalities are common in scleroderma patients, with over 70% showing changes. These findings suggest potential cardiac issues beyond myocardial infarction, including conduction defects and fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a multisystem autoimmune disease.
- Cardiac involvement is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in scleroderma patients.
Observation:
- Electrocardiography (ECG) was performed on 73 patients with scleroderma.
- The study analyzed various ECG abnormalities, including arrhythmias, conduction disorders, low QRS voltages, and signs suggestive of myocardial necrosis.
Findings:
- Over 72% of scleroderma patients exhibited ECG abnormalities.
- Significant findings included conduction disorders (28.8%), low QRS voltages (20.6%), and Q/QS patterns suggesting myocardial necrosis (17.8%).
- Myocardial infarction was rare, with ECG patterns potentially indicating conduction defects or myocardial fibrosis.
Implications:
- ECG is a valuable tool for detecting cardiac involvement in scleroderma.
- Abnormal ECG findings in scleroderma may signify conditions other than myocardial infarction, such as conduction system disease or myocardial fibrosis.
- Early detection of cardiac abnormalities can guide patient management and improve outcomes in scleroderma.