Divergent perspectives: exploring the relationships between St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and outcome measures in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Controversy exists regarding the concordance of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with other assessment parameters in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). This study aims to explore the association between the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and various outcome measures in patients with SSc-ILD within a real-world cross-sectional setting.

METHOD

Patients with SSc-ILD were consecutively recruited from our SSc cohort. Simultaneous administration of SGRQ, scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (sHAQ), respiratory visual analog scale (R-VAS), pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and the 6-min walking test (6-MWT) was conducted. The total extent of lung fibrosis was quantified using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images. Relationships between SGRQ and functional, radiographic, and other patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed.

RESULTS

The total SGRQ score demonstrated correlations with forced vital capacity (FVC) and R-VAS (r =  - 0.397, p = 0.016 and r = 0.418, p = 0.027, respectively). Symptom score correlated with ILD-extension (r = 0.430, p = 0.005); activity score correlated with FVC and R-VAS (r =  - 0.502, p = 0.002 and r = 0.395, p = 0.038, respectively); impact score correlated with R-VAS (r = 0.386, p = 0.043). In patients with fibrosis extent exceeding 20%, total SGRQ score was associated with sHAQ and R-VAS (r = 0.398, p = 0.049; r = 0.524, p = 0.021, respectively), activity score with R-VAS (r = 0.478, p = 0.038), and impact score with 6-MWT-D and R-VAS (r =  - 0.489, p = 0.034; r = 0.545, p = 0.016, respectively). The symptom score and activity score demonstrated optimal performance in identifying patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) extent exceeding 20% and forced vital capacity (FVC) less than 70% (area under the curve [AUC] 0.799, p = 0.002, and AUC 0.792, p = 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals varying degrees of correlation between SGRQ and distinct outcome measures. Given the incomplete alignment of SGRQ with other outcome measures, an integrative approach utilizing existing criteria as complementary tools is recommended. Key Points • Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) derive from patients' subjective evaluations of the impact of the disease on their daily activities, social interactions, and psychological well-being. • PROMs frequently serve as outcome measures in randomized controlled trials, yet conflicting findings have emerged in relation to primary outcomes. • This study aims to assess the appropriateness and interrelation of PROMs with both radiological and functional outcome measures, providing insight into the current state of our patients in a real-life context. The investigation delves into the compatibility of these measures with each other.

Analysis of clinical, immunological characteristics, damage, and survival in 300 Turkish systemic lupus erythematosus patients

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Turkish Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients of Caucasian ethnicity, focusing on their clinical, immunological, and therapeutic characteristics, damage accural and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective assessment of 300 SLE patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2017 at Kocaeli University Rheumatology Clinic. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, immunological profiles, treatment approaches, disease-related damage, and survival information were collected.

RESULTS

The study population had a significant female predominance (89%) with a mean age of disease onset of 35.4 (SD:13.3) years. Hematological (72.6%) and mucocutaneous (72%) manifestations were the most common clinical findings, followed by arthritis (66.3%). Females had higher frequency of photosensitivity (p = 0.019), malar rash (p < 0.001), and alopecia (p = 0.014). Anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected in 61.6% of patients, while 57% of patients had hypocomplementemia. Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome was observed in 15.3% of patients; the most common manifestations included deep venous thrombosis (32.6%) and cerebrovascular accidents (30.4%). Lupus Nephritis (LN) affected 40.3% of the cohort. The most common pathologic finding was Class IV LN (30.5%). Eventually, 13 (4.3%) patients developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 4 had renal replacement therapies. Patients with LN had higher usage of pulse steroids, azathioprin, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (p < 0.001 for each).  In the juvenile-onset group (n = 31, 10.3%), an increased occurrence of malar rash (p = 0.009), nephritis (p = 0.034), hypocomplementemia (p = 0.001), positive anti-dsDNA (p = 0.007), anti-Sm (p = 0.046), anti-rib-P (p = 0.014) antibodies were observed. At least one damage parameter was observed in 32.6% patients with musculoskeletal manifestations being the most common. Thirteen patients were diagnosed with various malignancies, with cervical cancer being the most common (4 cases). The total 5 and 10-year survival rates were 92.5% and 86.7%, respectively. However, patients with CKD, had lower survival rates; 75% at 3 years and 60% at 15 years. Regression analysis demonstrated an association of CKD and  history of infections with decreased survival (p = 0.02, each).

CONCLUSION

Ethnicity and geography influence the clinical diversity of SLE. Recognizing these disparities is crucial for tailoring patient care. Future inception cohort studies in Turkish SLE patients are necessary to address the limitations of retrospective research.

Gynecological symptoms in primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome and the effect of the disease on sexuality

BACKGROUND

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune systemic disease affecting many organs and systems, such as genital system.

AIM

This study aimed to present the gynecological symptoms of patients who were followed up in an outpatient clinic because of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS) and to show how the disease affected sexuality.

METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2019 and 2020. The study sample consisted of 60 pSS patients, 42 sSS patients, and 52 healthy control subjects.

OUTCOMES

All the participants were questioned about sexuality, and completed the 36-item Short Form Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Modified Hill questionnaire.

RESULTS

The patients had a mean age of 55.6 ± 11.85 years in pSS, 59.39 ± 11.18 years in sSS, and 56.1 ± 10.46 years in healthy control subjects. Vaginal and vulvar dryness and dyspareunia were present at a significantly higher rate in SS, especially in pSS, compared with the control subjects. The Health Assessment Questionnaire score was significantly lower in the pSS group than in the sSS group. Arthralgia, myalgia, and fatigue were prominent in all SS patients.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Gynecological symptoms, sexual ability, and the effects of the disease on sexuality should be questioned in all SS patients.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

It is very important that we evaluate the gynecological symptoms of both pSS and sSS patients and the effect of the disease on these symptoms. The small number of patients and healthy control subjects is a limitation.

CONCLUSION

The gynecological and musculoskeletal symptoms negatively affected sexuality in patients with pSS and sSS, and the negative effect of the disease on sexuality was more pronounced in the pSS group.

Radiological progression and predictive factors in psoriatic arthritis: insights from a decade-long retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Radiological alterations in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are an established phenomenon frequently observed throughout the disease course. Our goal was to investigate the changes in the bone structure of PsA patients by conventional radiography.

METHODS

This study designed as a retrospective cohort study and cross-sectional evaluation for disease activity. The disease activity and the severity of skin and nail involvement were assessed. The Simplified Psoriatic Arthritis Radiographic Score (SPARS) was used to investigate the radiological progression. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of radiological changes.

RESULTS

Joint space narrowing and bone proliferation in hands (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and joint space narrowing in feet (p = 0.047) were more common at the final evaluation than at the baseline assessment. Total scores of joint space narrowing and bone proliferation in hands and feet were higher at the last visit than at the initial assessment (p < 0.001). Male gender (p = 0.030, OR 4.32 (95%CI 1.15-16.15)], older age (for joint space narrowing [p = 0.026 OR 1.08 (95%CI 1.01-1.56)] and for proliferation [p = 0.025 OR 1.08 (95%CI 1.01-1.44)]), high Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) scores at baseline [p = 0.032 OR 6.21 (95%CI 1.17-32.92)], and symmetrical polyarticular involvement at baseline [p = 0.025 OR 5.3 (95% CI 1.23-22.4)] were found as predictors of structural changes.

CONCLUSION

By the end of the decade, joint space narrowing and proliferation were observed to be more common than erosion. Male gender, older age, higher initial DAPSA scores, and initial polyarticular involvement were identified as predictors of radiological damage. Key Points • The radiological changes of Psoriatic arthritis are a well-known entity. However, studies investigating the progression of joint involvement over time are scarce. • This study reveals that joint space narrowing and proliferation are the most prominent radiological alterations in Psoriatic Arthritis patients at the end of the decade. • Male gender, older age, higher baseline DAPSA scores, and initial polyarticular involvement are predictive factors influencing the progression of bone destruction  in Psoriatic Arthritis patients.

Long-term efficacy of canakinumab in hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome

Hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome (HIDS) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. It is caused by specific mutations in the mevalonate kinase gene (MVK). No treatment specific to HIDS has been approved to date; however, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, colchicine, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, and anti-interleukin-1 treatments are used, based on case reports and observational studies. Herein, we report a case with recurrent fever and arthritis attacks who did not respond to anakinra and was successfully treated with canakinumab. Long-term remission was achieved without any side effects with 300 mg canakinumab treatment every 4 weeks for 5 years.

Treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated digital ulcers: recommendations of the Turkish Society for Rheumatology

OBJECTIVES

Digital ulcers (DUs) are associated with a significant burden in systemic sclerosis (SSc) by leading to severe pain, physical disability, and reduced quality of life. This effort aimed to develop recommendations of the Turkish Society for Rheumatology (TRD) on the management of DUs associated with SSc.

METHODS

In the first meeting held in December 2020 with the participation of a task force consisting of 23 rheumatologists the scope of the recommendations and research questions were determined. A systematic literature review was conducted by 5 fellows and results were presented to the task force during the second meeting. The Oxford system was used to determine the level of evidence. The preliminary recommendations were discussed, modified, and voted by the task force and then by members of TRD via e-mail invitation allowing personalised access to a web-based questionnaire [SurveyMonkey®].

RESULTS

A total of 23 recommendations under 7 main headings were formulated covering non-pharmacological measures for the prevention of DUs and pharmacological treatments including vasodilators, anti-aggregants, antibiotics, wound care, pain control, and interventions including sympathectomy, botulinum toxin, and surgery. Risk factors, poor prognostic factors, prevention of DU and adverse effects of medical treatments were reported as 4 overarching principles.

CONCLUSIONS

These evidence-based recommendations for the management of SSc-associated DUs were developed to provide a useful guide to all physicians who are involved in the care of patients with SSc, as well as to point out unmet needs in this field.

Association of quantitative computed tomography ındices with lung function and extent of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to investigate the discriminative value of a wide range of quantitative computed tomography (qCT) parameters in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with and without pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and their association with pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and visual fibrosis scores (VFS).

METHOD

Thoracic high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of SSc patients with and without PF were analyzed with Vitrea® Advanced Visualization software. The mean lung attenuation (MLA), skewness, kurtosis, and threshold-based volumes [low-density volume (LDV), medium-density volume (MDV), and high-density volume (HDV)] derived from the attenuation histograms of the right and left lungs were evaluated separately. Visual scores were measured semi-quantitatively and the overall extent of pulmonary parenchymal abnormality was calculated.

RESULTS

Forty-one SSc patients with PF (85.4% female; mean age 50.4 ± 15.6 years) were compared with 94 without PF (88.3% female; mean age 50 ± 11.5 years). All qCT parameters were significantly different between those with and without PF (p < 0.05). Amongst the qCT measurements, R-MLA, L-MLA, R-MDV, L-MDV, and left total lung volume (L-TLV) correlated with all three of forced vital capacity, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, and VFS, even after adjustment for sex and age (|r|> 0.300 and p < 0.05). R-MLA, L-MLA, R-HDV/TLV, and L-HDV/TLV exhibited diagnostic accuracy in discriminating patients with PF (AUC value > 0.7).

CONCLUSION

QCT parameters differentiated SSc patients with PF from the ones without and showed a good correlation with VFS. With the application of user-friendly and less operator-dependent software, qCT analysis may become an objective tool for analysis of PF in SSc, complementary to PFTs and VFS. Key Points • Quantitative computed tomography parameters can accurately and objectively differentiate between SSc patients with and without PF. • Furthermore, in SSc patients with fibrosis, a moderate to a high correlation was identified between many of the qCT parameters, PFT results, and VFS.

Software-based quantitative analysis of lung parenchyma in patients with systemic sclerosis may provide new generation data for pulmonary fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate lung volume and density in patients with SSc and changes in these parameters because of PF, using a software-aided image quantification method, and compare this with a matched healthy control group.

METHODS

Thoracic high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of patients and controls were analysed using Myrian XP Lung 3D software. Right, and left lung densities and volumes were calculated separately by a blinded operator. Results were analysed between subgroups to investigate associations with the clinical features.

RESULTS

A total of 135 patients with SSc and 38 healthy controls (HC) were included. Characteristics of the SSc patients were 94 (69.6%) without PF, 85.4% female, mean age 49.8 (15.4) years; 41 (30.4%) with PF, 88.3% female, mean age 50.2 (11.5) years, and HC group were 89.5% Female, mean age 52.2 (5.8) years. The right and left lung densities were significantly higher, and right and left lung volumes were significantly lower in the SSc patients with signs of fibrosis than those without and HC (P < .001 and P < .001; P = .006 and P = .002, respectively). After excluding patients with PF, right and left lung densities and volumes differed significantly between diffuse cutaneous SSc, limited cutaneous SSc, and HC (P = .002 and P < .001; P = .045 and P = .044, respectively). Patients who developed PF during follow-up had significantly lower baseline right and left lung densities than those who did not (P = .018; P = .014, respectively). Forced vital capacity and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity showed a weak correlation with lung densities and volumes in patients without PF and moderate to high correlation in PF patients.

CONCLUSION

Lung density and volume in SSc patients changed significantly in those with PF and those without. Quantitative information extracted by soft-ware aided methods may contribute more to the detection, screening, and risk prediction in SSc-related PF.

Proteomic analysis of thyroid tissue reveals enhanced catabolic activity in Graves' disease compared to toxic multinodular goitre

Graves' disease (GD) and toxic multinodular goitre (TMNG) are the most common thyroid diseases which mainly lead to thyrotoxicosis, however, the underlying mechanism of distinct clinical presentations remains unclear. Protein extracts from the thyroid tissue specimens of the patients with GD and TMNG were subjected to Difference Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE). Differentially regulated protein spots were determined by image analysis, and the spots displaying statistically significant differences were identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF) followed by MASCOT search. Western blot analysis was used to verify changes occurring at the protein levels. The identified proteins were classified based on their functions in metabolic pathways using bioinformatics algorithms. Fifteen proteins showed significant alterations in abundance between the two disease groups. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the differentially regulated proteins were particularly related to catabolism, oxidative stress and especially energy utilization pathways, including glycolysis, proteolysis, ketone body catabolism and other energy metabolism-related pathways. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Previously, GD has been the subject of many studies that performed the proteomics approaches in the orbital tissue samples or tear. This is one of the very few studies that investigate the changes in the proteome of thyroid tissue in GD. We demonstrated mainly the upregulation of catabolic activity-related proteins in patients with GD compared to TMNG. Although it remains to be elucidated, some of these proteins can be used as markers for GD or have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Our study contributes the increasing data over time by providing new biomarker candidates for GD.

UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) 2.0 Reflux Scale Correlates With Impaired Esophageal Scintigraphy Findings in Systemic Sclerosis

Objective

The University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 (GIT 2.0) instrument is a self-report tool measuring gastrointestinal (GI) quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Scarce data are available on the correlation between patient-reported GI symptoms and motility dysfunction as assessed by esophageal transit scintigraphy (ETS).

Methods

We evaluated the GIT 2.0 reflux scale in patients with SSc admitted to our clinic and undergoing ETS, and correlated their findings.

Results

Thirty-one patients with SSc undergoing ETS were included. Twenty-seven were female, and 9 had diffuse cutaneous SSc. Twenty-six of 31 (84%) patients had a delayed transit and an abnormal esophageal emptying activity (EA); they also had a higher GIT 2.0 reflux score (P = 0.04). Mean EA percentage was higher in patients with none to mild GIT 2.0 reflux score (81.1 [SD 11.5]) than in those with moderate (55.7 [SD 17.8], P = 0.003) and severe to very severe scores (55.8 [SD 19.7], P = 0.002). The percentage of esophageal EA negatively correlated with the GIT 2.0 reflux score (r = –0.68, P < 0.0001), but it did not correlate with the other GIT 2.0 scales and the total GIT 2.0 score.

Conclusion

SSc patients with impaired ETS findings have a higher GIT 2.0 reflux score. The GIT 2.0 is a complementary tool for objective measurement of esophageal involvement that can be easily administered in day-to-day clinical assessment.

Are there any clinical differences between ankylosing spondylitis patients and familial Mediterranean fever patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

OBJECTIVE

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease that is commonly present with recurrent episodes of fever, peritonitis, pleuritis or arthritis. Enthesitis and sacroilitis can also be seen in FMF. Spondylitis is a less common manifestation of joint involvement in FMF and there are controversial publications about whether this involvement is FMF-related or coincidentally. The aim of this study was to provide a comparison between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and FMF patients with AS.

METHODS

A total of 404 patients who 360 of them was AS and 44 was FMF patients with AS (in accordance with Tel Hashomer) patients with AS (in accordance with modified New York criteria) were included in this study. All cases were evaluated retrospectively and patient's demographic and clinical data were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean age was 34.5 ± 8.6 years and 61.4% of patients were female in FMF group. In AS group, the mean age was 41.2 ± 10.8 years and 67.8% of patients were male. In AS group, 92% of patients had inflammatory back pain, 51% had hip pain, 30% had heel pain, 14% had peripheral arthritis and 11% had uveitis. In FMF group, 98% of patients had inflammatory back pain, 59% had hip pain, 48% had heel pain, 43% had peripheral arthritis and 4.5% had uveitis. Syndesmophyte and enthesitis on X-ray were seen in 18% and 22% of AS patients, and 7% and 41% of FMF patients with AS, respectively. There were significant differences between AS patients and FMF patients with AS in terms of heel pain (P: .017), peripheral arthritis (P: .000) and enthesitis (P: .006).

CONCLUSION

Peripheral arthritis and enthesitis were more frequent, and uveitis and syndesmophyte were less frequent in FMF patients with spondylitis than AS patients. When we look at gender differences, clinical and genetic features, it seems to be different condition from AS.

P161 Optical coherence tomography of the skin detects scleroderma changes in clinically unaffected skin: an opportunity for early detection of systemic sclerosis

Background

The Very Early Diagnosis Of Systemic Sclerosis (VEDOSS) study has shown that 82% of patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon, specific ANA positivity and scleroderma pattern at nailfold video capillaroscopy will fulfill classification criteria within 5 years. This is suggesting that there is a sub-clinical window of opportunity to diagnose systemic sclerosis (SSc) before clinical manifestations occur. In this scenario, a non-invasive tool to diagnose SSc in clinically unaffected skin might improve the early detection of disease in at risk-patients. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the skin has been shown to be a sensitive and accurate biomarker of skin fibrosis in SSc. Here we aimed to assess the ability of skin OCT to detect SSc in clinically unaffected skin from a multicentre cohort.

Methods

Dorsal forearm skin of SSc patients and matched-healthy controls (HC) was evaluated using VivoSight scanner (Michelson Diagnostics). Mean A-scans (mean OCT signal plotted against depth-in-tissue) were derived as previously described. Minimum Optical Density (MinOD), Maximum OD (MaxOD) and OD at 300 micron-depth (OD300) were calculated. Clinical involvement was assessed by an operator blinded to OCT findings using the mRSS. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out for MinOD, MaxOD, and OD300 to evaluate their ability to discriminate between SSc and HC. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software V.7.0.

Results

One hundred seventy four OCT images were collected from 87 subjects [43 SSc (39 Female, mean age 49.7±9.1 years) and 44 gender/age-matched healthy controls (HC) (36 Female, mean age 50.2±8.3 years)] in two different SSc centres. All patients fulfilled classification criteria for SSc. OCT measures demonstrated discriminative ability in SSc skin detection with any clinical skin involvement (0-3 at site of analysis) with an AUC of 0.73 (MinOD, 95%CI 0.64-0.81), 0.77 (MaxOD, 95%CI 0.7-0.85) and 0.82 (OD300, 95%CI 0.76-0.89); p &lt; 0.0001 for all as previously indicated. Most importantly, all three measures showed comparable performance in detecting scleroderma also in clinically unaffected skin (mRss=0 at site of analysis), with an AUC of 0.7 (95%CI 0.6-0.81, p = 0.001), 0.72 (95%CI 0.61-0.83, p = 0.0003) and 0.72 (95%CI 0.61-0.83, p = 0.0003) for MinOD, MaxOD and OD300 respectively.

Conclusion

Virtual biopsy by OCT recognises clinically unaffected skin of SSc patients from the HC skin. This is consistent with gene array data showing that scleroderma specific signatures are consistent in affected and clinically unaffected skin. These results inform future studies on at risk patients with clinically unaffected skin which may define a role for OCT in detecting subclinical SSc.

Disclosures

G. Abignano None. D. Temiz Karadag None. O. Gundogdu None. G. Lettieri None. M. Padula None. A.A. Padula None. P. Emery None. S. D'Angelo None. F. Del Galdo None.

P162 Cross-validation and complementary value of optical coherence tomography and high frequency ultrasound for the assessment of skin disease in systemic sclerosis

Background

The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) is the current gold standard for skin assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc) both in clinical trials and practice. Several studies have reported that skin high frequency ultrasound (HFUS) and, more recently, optical coherence tomography (OCT) are able to reflect the severity of the skin disease in SSc. Aim of the study was to compare OCT and HFUS in the assessment of skin involvement in SSc.

Methods

Dorsal forearm skin of consecutive diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients and matched-healthy controls (HC) were scanned using OCT and HFUS by investigators blinded to the clinical details using Vivosight scanner (1 assessor) and Esaote MyLab70 equipped with a 22 MHZ probe (2 assessors) respectively. Minimum Optical Density (MinOD), Maximum OD (MaxOD) and OD at 300 micron-depth (OD300) (OCT) and skin thickness (HFUS) were measured. Clinical involvement was assessed by a blinded operator using the mRSS and results were cross matched with imaging data. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software V.7.0.

Results

A total of 88 OCT images and 176 HFUS images were obtained from 22 dcSSc patients [20 Female, mean age 49 (±11) years, 12 with &lt; 5 years disease duration) and 22 HC (20 Female, mean age 50.7 (±6.7) years]. All OCT measures (MinOD, MaxOD and OD300) were significantly lower in SSc patients than in HC (p = 0.011, p &lt; 0.0001, p &lt; 0.0001 respectively). HFUS showed a lower performance in discriminating SSc skin vs HC compared to OCT (overall AUC 0.6 vs 0.72, 0.8 and 0.89 for MinOD, MaxOD and OD300 respectively). Nevertheless, mean HFUS skin thickness significantly correlated with mRSS at site of analysis (r = 0.47, p = 0.0013) and showed overall excellent interobserver reliability between assessors (ICC &gt;0.8). Importantly, MaxOD and OD300 negatively correlated with HFUS skin thickness (r=-0.32, p = 0.035; r=-0.31, p = 0.039).

Conclusion

OCT of the skin has been previously validated against skin biopsy in SSc. Our results validate HFUS against OCT and indicate that HFUS of the skin is a reliable measure of skin involvement. Further, here we show that HFUS and OCT outperform each other in measuring different aspects of skin involvement in SSc and they offer complementary surrogate outcome measures of disease.

Disclosures

D. Temiz Karadag None. G. Lettieri None. V. Picerno None. O. Gundogdu None. M. Padula None. G.A. Mennillo None. A.A. Padula None. F. Del Galdo None. S. D'Angelo None. G. Abignano None.

Epicardial adipose tissue thickness in systemic sclerosis patients without overt cardiac disease

Systemic sclerosis is associated with an increased prevalence/incidence of coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness which may contribute to cardio-metabolic risk in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients without overt cardiac disease. EAT thickness was measured by transthoracic conventional Doppler echocardiography and compared in SSc patients (n = 47) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 36). The relationships between EAT thickness and markers of cardio-metabolic risk in SSc were examined. EAT thickness was significantly greater in patients with SSc compared to healthy controls (6 [7-5] vs 5 [6.75-3.25], p = 0.041). Compared to controls, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte, neutrophil, B-type natriuretic protein (BNP), fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR were elevated (18 [31-10] vs 8.5 [18-4], p < 0.001; 0.4 [0.67-0.18] vs 0.21 [0.48-0.09], p = 0.012; 7510 [8731-5990] vs 6435 [7360-5195], p = 0.002; 4350 [5440-3570] vs 3390 [4168-2903], p < 0.001; 111 [185-74] vs 70 [127-70], p = 0.010; 6.7 [10.5-4.7] vs 4.7 [6.8-4.1], p = 0.008; 1.7 [2.6-1] vs 1.1 [1.7-0.9], p = 0.015, respectively). The total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were decreased in SSc patients (197 ± 45 vs 284 ± 36, p = 0.005; 118 [148-84] vs 140 [180-115], p = 0.003, respectively). In patients with SSc, the EAT thickness correlated positively with age, ESR, CRP, insulin, hemoglobin A1c and total and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.574, p < 0.001; r = 0.352, p = 0.015; r = 0.334, p = 0.022; r = 0.290, p = 0.048; r = 0.317, p = 0.030; r = 0.396, p = 0.006 and r = 0.349, p = 0.016, respectively). Our study confirms that EAT thickness is greater in SSc patients compared to healthy controls using echocardiographic measurements. The results of our study suggest that EAT thickness is a candidate for atherosclerotic risk assessment in SSc.

Evaluation of left and right ventricle by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in systemic sclerosis patients without overt cardiac disease

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate the left and right ventricular functions concurrently by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients without overt cardiac disease.

METHODS

A total of 47 patients with SSc and 36 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated cross-sectionally. Two-dimensional STE was used to assess the longitudinal peak systolic strains (PSS) of both ventricles including apical long-axis (APLAX), apical four-chamber (4-CH), apical two-chamber (2-CH), and global longitudinal measurements. Any association of metabolic, cardiac, and inflammatory biomarkers with PSS was investigated.

RESULTS

The longitudinal PSS of the left ventricle [APLAX, 4-CH, 2-CH and global] were significantly lower in SSc patients than controls (- 18.2 ± 3.2 vs - 19.8 ± 2.7% p = 0.02; - 17.8 ± 3.5 vs. - 20.3 ± 3.3% p = 0.001; - 18.6 ± 3.1 vs. - 21.8 ± 3% p < 0.001; - 17.5 ± 5.7 vs. - 20.6 ± 2.7% p = 0.003, respectively). No difference was found between the groups for right ventricular strains. The longitudinal PSS-4CH correlated positively with CRP and ESR (r = 0.349, p = 0.016; r = 0.356, p = 0.014, respectively) and negatively with serum Galectin-3 (r = - 0.362, p = 0.012). Global longitudinal PSS-left ventricle (LV) correlated positively with CRP and homocysteine (r = 0.297, p = 0.043; r = 0.313, p = 0.041, respectively) and negatively with serum Galectin-3 (r = -0.314, p = 0.041). After multivariable adjustment, CRP remained the only predictor of longitudinal PSS-4CH (95% CI 0.35, 0.70, p = 0.028) and global longitudinal PSS of left ventricle (95% CI 0.004, 0.22, p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Biventricular evaluation of patients with SSc by two dimensional STE revealed reduced left ventricular longitudinal strains, despite preserved right ventricular strain, and no diastolic dysfunction. In SSc without overt cardiac disease, global cardiac assessment with 2DSTE is a promising method which seems to contribute to the detection of patients without clinical findings.

KEY POINTS

• Two dimensional STE revealed reduced left ventricular longitudinal strains, despite preserved right ventricular strain in SSc patients without overt cardiac disease. • CRP was the predictor of decreased longitudinal strains. • Cardiac assessment in SSc should be made globally.