NPPB and systemic sclerosis: NT-proBNP concentrations were higher in SSc patients than age- and sex-matched healthy controls.[11,12] Higher levels of NT-proBNP were associated with abnormal echocardiographic findings, including valvular insufficiency and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).[11] One study looking at 49 SSc patients without cardiac symptoms demonstrated that levels of BNP were increased in patients with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).