Aim To evaluate the influence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) on right ventricular (RV) remodeling by two- and three-dimensional echocardiography (2DE and 3DE) and heart rate variability (HRV). Methods Forty-five SSc patients and 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls underwent clinical examination, 24-h Holter monitoring, and comprehensive 2DE and 3DE. Results 2DE RV global and RV free wall longitudinal strains, as well as 2DE RV endocardial, mid-myocardial, and epicardial longitudinal strains were lower in SSc subjects, who exhibited greater 3DE RV volumes but lower 3DE RV ejection fraction than controls. HRV indices were impaired in SSc subjects. These differences in RV global and free wall longitudinal strain, layer-specific strains, and ejection fraction, were associated with HRV indices independently of demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic parameters. Modified Rodnan Skin Score, clinical indicator of skin involvement in SSc, was associated with HRV parameters, RV layer-specific mechanics, and RV ejection fraction. Conclusion SSc affects RV function and mechanics of all myocardial layers, as well as cardiac autonomic nervous function. HRV indices are significantly associated with RV function, RV deformation, and skin involvement in SSc patients.

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cardiac autonomic nervous rv function rv deformation and skin involvement heart rate variability hrv indices two and threedimensional echocardiography 2de and 3de demographic clinical indicator sclerosis ssc right ventricular rv remodeling all myocardial layers rv global and free wall longitudinal strain layerspecific strains and ejection fraction hrv parameters rv layerspecific mechanics echocardiographic parameters modified rodnan skin

Ana Stevanovic, Maja Zlatanovic, Nemanja Damjanov, Vesna Kocijancic,Marijana Tadic, Vera Celic, Cesare Cuspidi,.Systemic sclerosis impacts right heart and cardiac autonomic nervous system. 46 (2),.

Ana Stevanovic, et al."Systemic sclerosis impacts right heart and cardiac autonomic nervous system" 46

Ana Stevanovic, Maja Zlatanovic, Nemanja Damjanov, Vesna Kocijancic,Marijana Tadic, Vera Celic, Cesare Cuspidi,"Systemic sclerosis impacts right heart and cardiac autonomic nervous system"