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Use of an implantable loop recorder in patients with SSc enabled early detection of cardiac arrhythmias
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The insertion of an implantable loop recorder in patients with systemic sclerosis and no known heart disease allowed for early detection and treatment of cardiac conduction abnormalities, including serious cardiac arrhythmias, according to results presented at the EULAR Annual Congress.
“We know that cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a poor prognosis, accounting for between 14% and 55% of deaths among patients with SSc,” Dr. Lesley-Anne Bissell, who is with the Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit at the University of Leeds in United Kingdom, said in a press release. “Early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of complications is therefore essential and crucial for a positive outcome.”
Bissell and colleagues analyzed data from 19 patients with SSc, no diabetes, and/or more than one cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. Participant SSc/CV profile information was documented. Researchers conducted a comprehensive CV assessment, which included cardiologist-reported 3T delayed enhancement-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and implantable loop recorder (ILR) insertion. One-year data were recorded and compared to those of 30 healthy controls.
Of the 19 participants, 63% were female and 84% were Caucasian. Patients had a mean age of 53 years. Investigators found ILR abnormalities in 10 patients.
Subanalysis results of the ILR showed heart rhythm abnormalities, including eight patients (42%) with supraventricular ectopics, two (11%) with ventricular ectopics and four (21%) with arrhythmias. According to the release, CMR imaging data were available for 15 patients which indicated markers of cardiac damage associated with the heart rhythm abnormalities.
“This first ILR in SSc study demonstrates its utility in the incidental detection of [cardiac conduction abnormalities] CCA, including serious cardiac arrhythmias and suggests associated CMR abnormalities,” the researchers wrote in their abstract. “These data support the need for identification of patients at risk that would benefit from ILR and provide insights into the pathogenesis of SSc-cardiomyopathy.”
References:
Bissell LA, et al. Abstract #OP0037. Presented at: EULAR Annual Congress; June 8-11, 2016; London.
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.