Background Inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc), can cause cardiovascular complications in many cases. This study aimed to compare the ventricular and atrial functions of the heart between rheumatic patients and healthy controls using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Results The study was performed between 64 patients with mentioned rheumatic diseases and 64 age- and sex-matched healthy controls who all underwent detailed history-taking and TTE. Echocardiographic parameters were measured and compared between the two groups. TTE showed significant differences in many echocardiographic parameters. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, right atrium area, inferior vena cava diameter, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure were significantly higher in patients compared to the controls (P < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter were not statistically different between the groups (P > 0.05). Right ventricular septal strain, right ventricular free wall strain, average longitudinal right ventricular strain, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right ventricular systolic myocardial velocity, and right ventricular fractional area change were lower in inflammatory rheumatic patients (P < 0.001). The subgroup analysis showed the same results’ trend for each disease and its own control group comparison. Conclusions Cardiac involvement in rheumatologic diseases, especially SLE, RA, and SSc, should always be taken into consideration as there may be silent changes affecting the overall prognosis of patients. Using TTE helps diagnose and make a treatment plan for cardiovascular complications in rheumatic disease patients.

Introduction: The Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine produces a variety of cutaneous adverse effects. Scleromyxedema is a mucinous connective tissue disorder that causes skin thickness and sclerodermoid changes. According to our findings, this is the first case of scleromyxedema induced by the Sinopharm immunization. Case description: We discuss the case of a 75-year-old woman who acquired progressive thickening of the skin in her limbs and trunk after getting the Sinopharm vaccination. Examination, laboratory testing, and a biopsy were used to verify scleromyxedema diagnosis. Intravenous immunoglobulins, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone were used in the treatment of the patient. The outcomes from the 4-month follow-up were reassuring. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need of considering scleromyxedema as a connective tissue pathology in patients who have recently received Sinopharm vaccine and have similar cutaneous signs.