Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery is not significantly higher in Crohn's disease patients compared to healthy population.
BACKGROUND
Patients with Crohn's disease might have accelerated atherosclerosis due to: chronic systemic inflammation, metabolic changes or prolonged steroid treatment.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the risk of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in Crohn's disease, by measuring the intima-media thickness and peak systolic velocity of the common carotid artery.


METHODS
Fifty Crohn's disease patients aged between 20 and 45 years were compared to 25 controls. Patients with a family history of cardiovascular diseases or a known risk for atherosclerosis were excluded. All participants underwent nutritional assessment. Carotid artery ultrasonography was performed and intima-media thickness and peak systolic velocity were measured, proximal to the common carotid bifurcation. Clinical data and laboratory parameters (hemoglobin, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, and plasma homocysteine) were determined.


RESULTS
No significant differences between the groups were found for intima-media thickness or peak systolic velocity. Multiple regression analysis revealed a positive correlation of intima-media thickness with older age. Peak systolic velocity was negatively associated with age.


CONCLUSIONS
Crohn's disease patients do not have an increased risk for developing early atherosclerosis.
Broide
Efrat
E
Institute of Gastroenterology, Liver Diseases and Nutrition, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, 70300, Zerifin, Israel. efibroide@yahoo.com
Schopan
Andrei
A
Zaretsky
Michael
M
Kimchi
Nimrod Alain
NA
Shapiro
Michael
M
Scapa
Eitan
E
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D006710:Homocysteine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein