Carotid Intima Media Thickness as a Marker of Atherosclerosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis. (7th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gupta, Naveen; Saigal, Renu; Goyal, Laxmikant; Agrawal, Abhishek; Bhargava, Rajat; Agrawal, Arun
• Other Names: Espinoza Luis R. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of rheumatology. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-04-07
• Subjects: Rheumatology -- Periodicals; Rheumatology; Rheumatology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.723
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/839135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9260

Abstract

Abstract : Aim . Increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have been observed in ankylosing spondylitis because of accelerated atherosclerosis. We measured carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis in this study. Methods . In this study 37 cases of AS and the same number of matched individuals were recruited. CIMT measurements were done using B-mode ultrasound. Disease activity was assessed using Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), and Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrological index (BASMI) scores and C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels. Results . Mean age of the study groups was 29.43 ± 9.00 years. Average disease duration was 65.62 ± 54.92 months. Twenty-eight (75.68%) of cases were HLA B-27 positive. A significantly increased CIMT was observed in cases as compared to control group (0.62 ± 0.12 versus 0.54 ± 0.04; P < 0.001 ). CIMT in the cases group positively correlated with age ( r = 0.357 ; P < 0.05 ), duration of disease ( r = 0.549 ; P < 0.01 ), and BASMI ( r = 0.337 ; P < 0.05 ) and negatively correlated with ESR ( r = − 0.295 ; P < 0.05 ) . Conclusions . Patients of AS had a higher CIMT than those of the control group. CIMT correlated with disease chronicity.