Abstract
Objective
We assessed cardiac conduction properties in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Methods
Electrocardiogram (ECG) scans of 92 patients with PsA were compared to 92 age and sex matched nonpsoriatic, nonarthritic patients from general practice serving as controls.
Results
PR interval was found to be significantly longer in the PsA group compared to controls, 159.6 ± 21 ms versus 151.3 ± 26 ms, respectively (p = 0.021). No statistical difference was found with respect to the QRS interval or other atrial or ventricular conduction disturbances studied. No correlation was found between the PR interval and disease duration or PsA subtype. The use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs did not affect the PR interval. Methotrexate was not found to influence the PR interval, compared to other disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Two PsA patients (2.1%) had a PR interval > 0.2 ms. Their prolonged PR interval could not be explained by medication use. The abnormal prolongation of the PR interval was asymptomatic, requiring no additional intervention. No patient had complete heart block.
Conclusion
Our study may suggest subtle involvement of the atrioventricular node in patients with PsA.
Key Indexing Terms:Footnotes
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J. Feld, MD, Department of Rheumatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Lin Clinic, Clalit Health Services, Haifa; G. Weiss, MD, Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy, Columbia University Medical Center, and Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY; I. Rosner, MD, Department of Rheumatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Associate Professor, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Haifa; M. Rozenbaum, MD, Department of Rheumatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Senior Clinical Lecturer, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine; A. Laor, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Carmel Medical Center, Clinical Lecturer, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine; D. Rimar, MD; L. Eder, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Carmel Medical Center; H. Bitterman, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Carmel Medical Center, Associate Professor, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine; D. Zisman, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Carmel Medical Center, Rheumatology Department, Lin Clinic, Clalit Health Services.
- Accepted for publication June 9, 2008.