• Elena E Saramet, Doina-Clementina Cojocaru, Sorin Ungurianu, Robert D Negru, and Codrina Ancuta.
• Department of Internal Medicine, Gr T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania.
• Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Mar 22; 57 (3).

AbstractBackground and Objectives: Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis has important consequences on patient survival. Myocardial fibrosis and microcirculation involvement can generate arrhythmic complications, which can be associated with a higher death risk. QT interval prolongation is considered as a risk factor for ectopic ventricular events and can be evaluated using standard short ECG recordings or 24-h Holter ECG recordings. Materials and Methods: 39 patients with systemic sclerosis were submitted to a standard ECG recording at admission and 24-h Holter ECG monitoring. Results: QT interval values resulted from Holter ECG monitoring are higher than the values generated by the short-term ECG recordings. Holter ECG monitoring permits the detection of ventricular ectopy in patients with no events on standard ECG. Conclusions: In patients with systemic sclerosis, 24-h Holter ECG recordings can realize a more precise evaluation of the extent of QTc interval prolongation and ventricular ectopic events associated with myocardial involvement.

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