Advanced systemic sclerosis complicated by pulmonary hypertension and complete atrioventricular block: a case report.
作者信息
Ciurzyński Michał, Bienias Piotr, Szewczyk Agnieszka, Lichodziejewska Barbara, Błaszczyk Maria, Liszewska-Pfejfer Danuta, Pruszczyk Piotr
机构信息
Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
出版信息
Med Sci Monit. 2007 Oct;13(10):CS124-7.
BACKGROUND
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder of unknown etiology characterized by fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs, in which the heart is frequently (40-70% of patients) and severely involved. Pulmonary hypertension affects 10-15% of patients with SSc and is one of the most important complications adversely influencing their survival.
CASE REPORT
The case report presents a 59-year-old male patient with advanced systemic sclerosis whose initial examination revealed pulmonary hypertension, rhythm and atrioventricular conduction disturbances, and elevated level of NT-proBNP. After six months the patient deteriorated; an increase in NT-proBNP level and progression of pulmonary hypertension were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
The described case is followed by a discussion of cardiovascular involvement in systemic sclerosis and emphasizes that heart involvement in SSc may have very serious clinical implications.
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