Increased Prevalence of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Artery-specific

Abstract

Compared to controls, RA was associated with a higher prevalence and higher severity of atherosclerosis in the bulb-ICA but not the CCA. Our data suggest that future studies in RA that utilize carotid artery measurements should include assessment of the bulb-ICA.

Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Have More Vulnerable Arterial Plaques, But Lowering Disease Activity May Stabilize This Threat

“…If they are present, the risk for future acute coronary syndromes and stroke is increased 2-to 4-fold 3,4 . Moreover, as shown by Kobayashi and colleagues, CP seem to be more prevalent in RA 5 .…”

Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Look for in Studies Using Carotid Ultrasound: Figure 1.

“…This brings us to the article by Kobayashi, et al 7 . Methodologically and technically, this study meets the highest standards of quality.…”

“…The multiplicity of values is usually reduced by averaging all the values, to produce a single IMT value per person. Alternatively, the internal and common carotid IMT values can be averaged separately, as done by Kobayashi, et al 7 .…”

“…Most of this literature is cited by Kobayashi and colleagues 7 . The results have been varied, and to date it has not been possible to infer conclusively whether atherosclerosis is increased in RA.…”

“…In this issue of The Journal, Kobayashi and colleagues used carotid ultrasound to assess atherosclerosis in RA patients and controls 7 . In this commentary, I will first discuss the key technical aspects necessary for a high quality study using ultrasound; I will then briefly discuss published studies, focusing on those conducted in North American patient samples, and will end with a discussion of the article in this issue.…”