Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystemic chronic disease that is complicated by protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). Considering that PEM also may influence left ventricular mass (LVM), the aim of this study was to evaluate whether LVM is related to patients' nutritional status and to determine clinically relevant features of SSc. Methods: Adult patients referring to our institution were considered. Body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), involuntary weight loss, and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded. Echocardiography was performed to assess LVM, using the Devereux regression formula. Results were then normalized by body surface area. Pattern, skin thickening, disease activity and severity, and duration were assessed to characterize SSc. Results: Ninety-four patents with SSc (81 women and 13 men; median duration of disease 7 y) were studied. The prevalence of PEM as assessed by BMI