Carotid Intima Media Thickness as a Marker of Atherosclerosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis

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.