Electrocardiographic findings in psoriatic arthritis: A case-controlled study

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 nonsteroidal 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.