Among 150 participants, Takayasu arteritis was associated with significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness and shear wave elastography values compared to SLE and healthy controls.
Cross-Sectional (n=150)
Does shear wave elastography (SWE) and carotid B mode US detect increased arterial stiffness and accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with Takayasu arteritis compared to SLE and healthy controls?
Markedly increased CCA IMT and SWE values are uniquely associated with Takayasu arteritis, suggesting their potential utility as non-invasive diagnostic tools for assessing arterial stiffness and premature atherosclerosis.
INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Arterial stiffness and accelerated atherosclerosis have been reported in TAK, however, morphological changes in the arterial wall have not been adequately addressed. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a new, non-invasive, direct and quantitative method of ultrasonography (US) that evaluates elasticity of biological tissues. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with TAK (44F/6 M; mean age: 39.8 ± 8.2 years), 43 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (38F/5 M; 38.0 ± 7.9 years) and 57 healthy controls (HCs) (50F/7M: 39.5 ± 7.1 years) were studied using carotid B mode US and SWE. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA IMT) and SWE were measured and the atherosclerotic plaques were recorded. Clinical characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors were determined. Intra and inter observer reproducibility was assessed and found good agreement. RESULTS: The mean IMT in the right and left carotid arteries was significantly higher only among patients with TAK when compared to SLE and HCs. Carotid artery plaques were significantly increased only in patients with TAK. On the other hand, the mean SWE value was significantly increased among both TAK and SLE patients when compared to HCs, whereas patients with TAK had the highest value. These were also true after adjustments were made for atherosclerotic risk factors and after all those with atherosclerotic plaques were excluded from the analysis. TAK itself, diastolic blood pressure levels and IMT were independently associated with SWE. CONCLUSIONS: Markedly increased CCA IMT and SWE values appear to be uniquely associated with TAK, suggesting that they could be used as diagnostic tools. Arterial stiffness occurs independently from atherosclerosis and is associated with arterial thickening. Further studies should investigate whether CCA SWE values could predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Strong association with premature atherosclerosis could be also considered as a unique feature of TAK.
Uçar et al. (Wed,) conducted a cross-sectional in Takayasu arteritis (n=150). Shear wave elastography (SWE) and carotid ultrasound vs. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls was evaluated on Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA IMT) and shear wave elastography (SWE) values. Among 150 participants, Takayasu arteritis was associated with significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness and shear wave elastography values compared to SLE and healthy controls.