Author/Authors :
Kisiel, Bartłomiej Military Institute of Medicine - Department of Internal Diseases and Rheumatology, Poland , Kruszewski, Robert Military Institute of Medicine - Department of Internal Diseases and Rheumatology, Poland , Juszkiewicz, Aleksandra Military Institute of Medicine - Department of Internal Diseases and Rheumatology, Poland , Kłos, Krzysztof Military Institute of Medicine - Department of Infectious Diseases and Allergology, Poland , Tłustochowicz, Małgorzata Military Institute of Medicine - Department of Internal Diseases and Rheumatology, Poland , Tłustochowicz, Witold Military Institute of Medicine - Department of Internal Diseases and Rheumatology, Poland
Abstract :
Objectives: (1) To compare the prevalence of preclinical atherosclerosis in diabetic vs. non-diabetic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients; (2) to determine the influence of classical and RA-related factors on atherosclerosis; (3) to assess the usefulness of combined carotid and femoral ultrasonography in detecting atherosclerosis. Methods: The study comprised 42 non-diabetic RA patients, 42 diabetic RA patients and 42 controls. Intima media thickness (IMT) was measured in the common carotid and superficial femoral arteries. These vessels were screened for atherosclerotic plaque. Results: Plaque was more prevalent in diabetic RA patients than in non-diabetic RA patients or controls. Carotid IMT and femoral IMT were higher in diabetic RA patients compared to controls. So was femoral IMT in diabetic compared to non-diabetic RA patients. The prevalence of increased IMT and plaque was comparable in carotid ultrasonography and combined carotid and femoral ultrasonography in all groups. Conclusions: Subclinical atherosclerosis was found to be higher in diabetic RA patients than in non-diabetic RA patients. The combination of carotid and femoral artery ultrasonography did not improve the detection of atherosclerosis in RA.
