Witczak BN, et al. - Through 50 juvenile mixed connective tissue disease (JMCTD) compared with 50 age- and sex-matched controls, the researchers determined cardiac function in patients with JMCTD, and examined possible relations between cardiac impairment and disease variables and cardiovascular risk factors. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography were conducted. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) was observed in 16% and 4% of patients and of controls, respectively. In comparison to control, ejection fraction and long-axis strain were observed as lower in patients. In patients vs controls, the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was noted as 8% lower. Moreover, signs of pulmonary hypertension were not seen. Corrected QT time was longer in patients than controls. An association of LVD with higher levels of apolipoprotein B, greater disease activity measured by physician’s global assessment, prolonged prednisolone treatment, and more organ injury evaluated with the Myositis Damage Index was ascertained. Hence, after a median of 15 years of disease term, patients with JMCTD had impaired left and right ventricular function as that of matched controls. Further, factors allied with LVD were great disease activity and prolonged treatment with prednisolone.