Advanced systemic sclerosis complicated by pulmonary hypertension and complete atrioventricular block: a case report. |
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Authors: | Micha? Ciurzyński Piotr Bienias Agnieszka Szewczyk Barbara Lichodziejewska Maria B?aszczyk Danuta Liszewska-Pfejfer Piotr Pruszczyk |
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Affiliation: | Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. mciurzyn@amwaw.edu.pl |
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Abstract: | 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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