QT Interval Prolongation in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-Are the Holter ECG Recordings a Better Option for QT Interval Evaluation?

Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis has important consequences on patient survival. Myocardial fibrosis and microcirculation involvement can generate arrhythmic complications, which can be associated with a higher death risk. QT interval prolongation is considered as a risk factor for ectopic ventricular events and can be evaluated using standard short ECG recordings or 24-h Holter ECG recordings. 39 patients with systemic sclerosis were submitted to a standard ECG recording at admission and 24-h Holter ECG monitoring. QT interval values resulted from Holter ECG monitoring are higher than the values generated by the short-term ECG recordings. Holter ECG monitoring permits the detection of ventricular ectopy in patients with no events on standard ECG. In patients with systemic sclerosis, 24-h Holter ECG recordings can realize a more precise evaluation of the extent of QTc interval prolongation and ventricular ectopic events associated with myocardial involvement.