Abstract
Objective The aim of retrospective, single center study is to assess frequency of mitral regurgitation (MR) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients in relevance with left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic dysfunction and clinical parameters. Methods58 patients (13 men, 45 women, the mean age was 62.0 +- 12.2 years) were recruited with a diagnosis of SSc (AmericanCollege of Rheumatology) within a 10-year follow -up.
Demographic, clinical data and Doppler echocardiography were obtained according to standard procedures. Results In comparison with a control group (patients undergoing screening echocardiography before chemotherapy), grade 3-4/4 and grade 1-4/4 of MR were observed in 8 (13.8%;p=0.028)and 28 (48.3%;p=0.148) patients respectively.
Data analysis showed positive association of MR grade 3-4/4 with lower LV ejection fraction (p=0.003) and tendency to negative association with "peak velocity of the early inflow phase/ peak velocity of the atrial inflow phase" (E/A) ratio <1 (0% versus 40%;p=0.09) in comparison with patients without MR. Conclusion This study showed high frequency of MR in patients with SSc, mainly grade 3-4/4.
SSc is associated with higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction characterized by E/A ratio inversion. Normalization of E/A may signalize worsening or development of MR.