Bone mineral density and microarchitecture linkages with micro- and macro-vascular impairments at the hand in systemic sclerosis: an HRpQCT study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the link between bone alteration and micro- and macro-vascular disease in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Results33 SSc patients were included. In univariate analysis, low values of cortical vBMD were significantly associated with a low DBI at the 2nd finger (p = 0.004) and at the 4th (p = 0.002) and with severe capillaroscopic score (p = 0.008). In multivariate analyses, low cortical vBMD was associated with a low DBI at the 4th finger, age and severe capillaroscopic score (adjusted R2 = 0.58; p = < 0.001). Low cortical thickness was associated with a low DBI at the 4th finger, severe capillaroscopic score and age (adjusted R2 = 0.49, p = < 0.001).ConclusionOur study findings showed an association between micro- and macro-vessel damage and altered microarchitectural indices at the radius in SSc.MethodsWe performed a pilot study in female patients with SSc. Microvascular disease was assessed by the capillaroscopic score of Cutolo. Macrovascular involvement was measured by digito-brachial pressure index (DBI) on laser-Doppler at the 2nd and 4th finger. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microarchitecture involvement were analysed by High-Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HRpQCT) at the distal radius.

Association between vertebral fractures and coronary artery calcification in current and former smokers in the ECLIPSE cohort

“…An association between VFs and Agatston score is consistent with the reported correlation of FRAX-estimated risk of hip fracture or major osteoporotic fracture with CAC score [38]. Some linking mechanisms have been proposed, such as an association between micro-and macro-vessel damage and altered microarchitectural indices in the radius [39], or between decreased vascular flow in the lower extremities and increased rate of bone loss at the hip and calcaneus in older women [40]. We suggest that the association between CAC and VFs in part may be explained by the shared risk factor of smoking.…”