CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA AND CONDUCTION DISTURBANCES IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Aim: To assess prevalence of certain cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances in the Russian population of systemic sclerosis patients using standard 12-lead and 24-hour electrocardiography (ECG); to estimate correlation between cardiac arrhythmia and clinical features of systemic sclerosis. Materials and methods: 80 systemic sclerosis patients and 60 sex- and age-matched controls were included. All patients underwent standard 12-lead and 24-hour ECG. Results: Arrhythmias on standard 12-lead ECG were demonstrated in 14 patients (17.5%) including sinus arrhythmia in 2 cases and premature beats in 13 cases (16%). Supraventricular (SV) and ventricular (V) ectopic beats were recorded in 5 (6%) and 7 (9%) patients, respectively; in one patient both SV and V ectopic beats were found. ECG signs of focal fibrosis were demonstrated in 9 patients (11%). In 24-hour ECG, frequencies of SV and V ectopic beats were 40 and 65%, respectively. Compared to the controls, systemic sclerosis patients had significantly higher prevalence and severity of cardiac arrhythmia. 36% of patients had high grade ventricular premature beats, associated with potential risk of life-threatening arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Conclusion: Cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances are found in the majority of patients with systemic sclerosis. Standard ECG does not reflect true prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia in systemic sclerosis. In systemic sclerosis patients, 24-hour ECG is recommended as obligate method for initial examination and treatment efficacy control