Abstract 13283: Utility of Ultrasound-Guided Measurements of Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Achilles Tendon Thickness in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound-guided measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) can be used as a marker to predict future risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Achilles tendons are the most common sites of xanthoma accumulation and can serve as a diagnostic index for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). We report a case of a patient with FH on PCSK9 inhibitor, who was followed up over the course of five-years to monitor the impact of the medication on CIMT and Achilles tendon thickness (ATT). Hypothesis: PCSK9 inhibitors are associated with reduction of carotid artery plaque and regression of tendon xanthomas. Methods: In a prospective study, at Overlook Medical Center in New Jersey, we followed up a 27-year-old patient with FH on PCSK9 inhibitor and high-dose statin diagnosed in 2006. After CABG, patient underwent CIMT and ATT in 2017, 2019 and at the five-year follow up in 2022. Results: In 2017, patient underwent ultrasound of the bilateral common carotids showed CIMT to be 0.91mm on right and 0.78mm on left and ultrasound of bilateral Achilles tendon showed ATT to be 0.91cm on right and 1.11cm on left. In 2019, ultrasound of bilateral common carotids showed CIMT to be 0.5mm on right and 0.57mm on left (mean CIMT reduction of 38%). Ultrasound of bilateral Achilles tendon showed ATT to be 1.04cm on the right and 0.98cm on the left (no significant change). In 2022, patient presented for the 5-year follow up, ultrasound of bilateral common carotids showed CIMT to be 0.55mm on right and 0.54 mm on left (no significant change) Ultrasound of bilateral Achilles tendon showed ATT to be 1.12cm on the right and 1.02cm on the left (no significant change). Conclusions: This case highlights the significant reduction in carotid artery plaque burden within the first two years of treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors. However, CIMT did not have a significant change after the five-year follow up. In addition, the patient didn’t have any significant changes in the Achilles tendon thickness throughout the five-years of treatment. This case illustrates how ultrasound-guided measurement of CIMT may help stratify ASCVD progression and quantify the effect of PCSK9 inhibitor on atherosclerotic plaque.