Open AccessAutoimmune myocarditis in systemic sclerosis: an unusual form of scleroderma heart disease presentation
Author(s) -
Ramalho Ana Rita,
Costa Susana,
Silva Francisco,
Donato Paulo,
Franco Fátima,
Pêgo Guilherme Mariano
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
esc heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.787
H-Index - 25
ISSN - 2055-5822
DOI - 10.1002/ehf2.12139
Subject(s) - medicine , scleroderma (fungus) , heart failure , myocarditis , immunosuppression , subclinical infection , disease , quality of life (healthcare) , systemic scleroderma , autoimmune disease , cardiology , heart disease , intensive care medicine , immunology , nursing , inoculation
Primary cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis is common, often subclinical, and is associated with significant mortality. We report the case of a patient who developed autoimmune myocarditis at an early stage of systemic sclerosis, who completely recovered from cardiac dysfunction under optimal medical therapy for heart failure and immunosuppression. This challenging case aims at increasing awareness around the fact that the heart is a target organ of scleroderma disease. It also highlights the importance of screening and early diagnosis of cardiac involvement, because a timely treatment may impact the quality of life of these patients and improve their prognosis.