Early identification of vascular damage in patients with systemic sclerosis

Angiology. 2011 May;62(4):338-43. doi: 10.1177/0003319710387918.

Abstract

Vascular involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. We assessed arterial stiffness using a new echo-tracking technique in patients with SSc asymptomatic for cardiovascular diseases. We enrolled 22 patients (21 female, 63 ± 14 years) and 20 controls (12 female, 62 ± 3 years). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was comparable between the 2 groups (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.0 ± 0.4 mm, P = ns), whereas the stiffness parameters were significantly increased in patients (β: 9.5 ± 4.2 vs 5.8 ± 1.1, P = .001; pulse wave velocity [PWV]: 6.5 ± 1.5 vs 5.2 ± 0.6 m/sec, P = .003). A correlation between stiffness parameters, anti-Scl-70 antibodies (β: r = .46, P = .03; PWV: r = .50, P = .02), and anticentromere antibodies (β: r = -.54, P = .020; PWV: r = -.53, P = .023) was found. Echo-tracking technique may be valuable in early identification of vascular involvement in patients with SSc.

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carotid Arteries / physiopathology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Elasticity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / physiopathology*
  • Tunica Intima / diagnostic imaging
  • Tunica Intima / physiopathology
  • Tunica Media / diagnostic imaging
  • Tunica Media / physiopathology
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vascular Resistance