Use of adjunctive technologies in the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis: a case series

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) represent a heterogeneous and therapeutically challenging group. Disease progression is often associated not only with reduced quality of life but also with severe organ involvement. Despite advances in the use of biologic agents, treatment options for SSc remain limited. Adjunctive treatment methods that target the peripheral vascular system may offer therapeutic benefit for this population. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP), which has shown efficacy in refractory angina, could also hold potential in systemic connective tissue diseases. Its positive impact on endothelial function suggests utility beyond cardiology in diseases where progressive microvascular remodeling and tissue hypoxia play key pathogenic roles. This article presents a case series describing the initial experience of EECP use in 3 female patients with SSc as an adjunct to optimized pharmacological therapy.