Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

In patients with scleroderma, which area of the heart is most commonly affected?

1. Arterioventricular valves

2. Endocardium

3. Myocardium

4. Pericardium

The correct answer is: Myocardium

In patients with scleroderma, the myocardium is the area of the heart that is most commonly affected. Scleroderma is a systemic condition characterized by fibrosis and an autoimmune response, which can lead to thickening and scarring of heart tissues. This can result in myocardial involvement, often manifesting as myocardial dysfunction, arrhythmias, or even heart failure. The impact on the myocardium can be attributed to the pathological processes involved in scleroderma, including the deposition of collagen and subsequent changes in heart structure and function. While other parts of the heart can be involved or affected in scleroderma, such as the endocardium or pericardium, the myocardium is where the most significant changes typically occur. Understanding the predilection of scleroderma to impact the myocardium is crucial in managing the cardiovascular aspects of this complex disease. Regular cardiac evaluations are important in these patients to monitor for signs of myocardial involvement and to manage any associated complications.