2017/08/07 by Marijana Tadic, Maja Zlatanovic, Cesare Cuspidi +5
paper · doi:10.1111/echo.13648
Objective We aimed to research left atrial ( LA ) phasic function and heart rate variability ( HRV ), as well as their relationship, in subjects with uncomplicated systemic sclerosis ( SS c). Methods The investigation involved 44 SS c patients and 33 age‐matched healthy controls. All participants underwent clinical examination, serological tests, 24‐hours Holter monitoring, and echocardiographic examination including strain analysis. Results Maximum, minimum, and pre‐A LA volumes and volume indices were higher in the SS c patients than in the controls. The total emptying fraction, the parameter of the LA reservoir function, as well as passive LA emptying fraction, which represents the LA conduit function, were significantly lower in the SS c patients compared to the controls. Active LA emptying fraction, the parameter of the LA booster pump function, was significantly higher in the SS c participants. There was no difference in LA reservoir function between the diffuse and the limited SS c form. LA conduit function was significantly decreased, whereas LA booster pump function was compensatory increased in the diffuse SS c form compared to the limited SS c form. Similar results were obtained by LA strain analysis. HRV indices were significantly decreased in the SS c patients. Modified Rodnan skin score, the parameter of skin involvement in SS c, and HRV indices correlated well with LA phasic function in SS c. Conclusion Left atrial ( LA ) phasic function, assessed by both volumetric and strain method, as well as cardiac autonomic nervous function is significantly deteriorated in SS c patients. Skin score and HRV indices correlate with LA phasic function parameters.