QT Interval Prolongation in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis—Are the Holter ECG Recordings a Better Option for QT Interval Evaluation?

• Main Authors: Elena E. Saramet, Doina-Clementina Cojocaru, Sorin Ungurianu, Robert D. Negru, Codrina Ancuta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Medicina
• Subjects: systemic sclerosis; Holter ECG; QTc interval
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/57/3/295

<i>Background and Objectives:</i> 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. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> 39 patients with systemic sclerosis were submitted to a standard ECG recording at admission and 24-h Holter ECG monitoring. <i>Results:</i> 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. <i>Conclusions:</i> 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.