Pattern and distribution of myocardial fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: a delayed enhanced magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and pattern of myocardial fibrosis as detected by delayed enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to evaluate a possible association between myocardial fibrosis and cardiac arrhythmias.

Methods: Forty-one patients with SSc underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring, Doppler echocardiography, and DE-MRI following gadolinium administration.

Results: Technically acceptable DE-MRIs were obtained in 36 patients with SSc.