Heart structure and function in systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disorder characterised by connective tissue fibrosing with vascular abnormalities and autoimmune changes [1]. The course and prognosis are highly dependent on the clinical pattern, and the main causes of death are cardiovascular, renal and pulmonary disease [1]. Heart involvement is one of the main factors shortening the survival of SSc patients [2, 3]. Thus, diagnosis of structural changes and pathophysiology [...]