Clinical meaning
Scleroderma/Systemic Sclerosis involves specific alterations in scleroderma/systemic sclerosis physiology. The pathophysiology of Scleroderma/Systemic Sclerosis encompasses changes in myocardial contractility, cardiac conduction, vascular resistance, endothelial function, or structural integrity depending on the primary mechanism involved. Key cellular processes include ion channel dysfunction, inflammatory mediator activation, oxidative stress, fibrotic remodeling, and neurohormonal dysregulation that drive the clinical manifestations of scleroderma/systemic sclerosis.
Diagnosis & workup
Diagnostics & workup: - CBC with differential (anemia worsens cardiac ischemia) - Thyroid function tests (hyperthyroidism causes high-output states) - Stress testing (exercise or pharmacologic) with nuclear or echo imaging - TEE for valvular vegetation, intracardiac thrombus, PFO assessment - 12-lead ECG: assess rhythm, intervals, ST-T changes, axis deviation - Chest X-ray: cardiac silhouette, pulmonary vascularity, effusions - Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for white coat vs masked HTN