Non-Invasive Cardiac and Vascular Monitoring in Systemic Sclerosis: Impact of Therapy on Subclinical Dysfunction

Background and objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) causes myocardial and microvascular impairment, with subclinical dysfunction and eventually permanent cardio-vascular damage. The long-term influence of SSc therapies on subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction is insufficiently investigated. We aimed to assess 2D and 4D cardiac ultrasound parameters of heart function in patients with different forms of SSc versus controls and to determine the evolution of cardiac function and arterial stiffness parameters under therapy. Materials and methods: A total of 60 subjects with SSc were studied at baseline; 30 SSc patients were compared to 30 matched controls. A total of 52 SSc subjects were reassessed after 1 year and 30 after 2 years of treatment. Cardiac function was evaluated through 2D standard echocardiography, tissue Doppler, speckle tracking and 4D auto LV quantification echo. Arterial stiffness was determined via the cardio-ankle vascular index and ankle brachial index. Results: At baseline, the standard echo parameters were normal. The 4D and myocardial work parameters, although in normal limits, were significantly altered in the SSc group vs. controls (4D ejection fraction 54.5 ± 8.5% in SSc vs. 63.8 ± 3.1% in controls; 4D longitudinal strain −14.2 ± 2.4% in SSc vs. −22.0 ± 2.7% in controls; global constructive work 2124.2 ± 449.5 mmHg% in SSc vs. 3102.8 ± 337.5 mmHg% in controls, for all p ≤ 0.02). Both at 1 year and 2 years of treatment, all echo and arterial stiffness parameters were similar to baseline, with no correlation to treatment type. Conclusions: SSc determines subclinical systolic dysfunction. Non-invasive assessment methods do not detect a functional cardiovascular decline in patients on classical therapy. Complex cardiac follow-up should be implemented in cases at risk for complications.