Systemic sclerosis & Raynaud's
Evaluation of serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance monitoring and immunosuppressive therapy in predicting outcomes in systemic sclerosis
Authors' conclusion
Methotrexate was associated with reduced MACE risk, while rituximab decreased maximal T1 value, suggesting a reduction in diffuse myocardial fibrosis.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) from a single centre who underwent two cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scansmedian follow-up 6.3 years
- Participants
- 44 patients
- Exposure
- Immunosuppressive treatments and changes in CMR parameters vs outcomes
- Outcome
- Prognostic significance of CMR parameter evolution for long-term cardiovascular outcomes (MACE, mortality) and impact of immunosuppressive treatments on myocardial fibrosis
Methodological detailssingle-centre, serial CMR with same protocol and equipment
- Single-centre
- Serial CMR with same protocol and equipment
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Rituximab significantly decreased maximal T1 values
- p=0.029
- Maximal T1 (marker of diffuse myocardial fibrosis) linked to increased risk of all-cause death
- p=0.044
- Significant increase in LV ejection fraction with methotrexate
- p=0.032
- Lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with methotrexate
- p=0.024
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Diastolic dysfunction and MACE occurrence
- Diastolic dysfunction
- 7 (16%)
- Experienced MACE
- 16 (36%)
- Median interval between CMR scans 1.5 (1.0-3.9) years
Original publication
Evaluation of serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance monitoring and immunosuppressive therapy in predicting outcomes in systemic sclerosis. RMD Open. Published 10 February 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →