Investigating the Gut-Heart Relationship in Systemic Sclerosis: Insights from a Large Prospective Early Disease Study
By
Francesca R. Di Ciommo
Ashish P. Balar
Aidan K. Strother
Subhash Kulkarni
Michael Hughes
Brian Skaug
Maureen D. Mayes
Shervin Assassi
Ali Y. Ayla
Zsuzsanna H. McMahan
July 7, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Investigating the Gut-Heart Relationship in Systemic Sclerosis: Insights from a Large Prospective Early Disease Study
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) Key Mechanisms Progressive vasculopathy and fibrosis affecting multiple organs, with significant gastrointestinal and cardiac involvement. Target Population Patients with early systemic sclerosis, aged >18 years, meeting ACR/EULAR classification criteria. Care Setting Multicenter, prospective cohort study.
Key Highlights
Distinct cardiac phenotypes in SSc associate with specific types of gastrointestinal involvement. Upper GI manifestations linked to conduction defects; lower GI involvement associated with systolic dysfunction. GI symptoms may aid in cardiac risk stratification for early detection and intervention. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Utilize ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc diagnosis. Management
Monitor GI and cardiac symptoms longitudinally in SSc patients. Monitoring & Follow-up
Conduct regular assessments of cardiac function and GI manifestations. Risks
Increased risk of cardiac involvement associated with GI symptoms. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with early systemic sclerosis.
Understanding the relationship between GI and cardiac symptoms may inform targeted interventions.
Clinical Best Practices
Incorporate GI symptom assessment into cardiac risk evaluation for SSc patients. Document and monitor both GI and cardiac manifestations regularly. Related Resources & Content
