Endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffness in systemic lupus erythematosus: Are they early markers of subclinical atherosclerosis?
In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the risk of development of cardiovascular disease is dramatically increased. Inflammatory and immune-mediated mechanisms, favouring early alterations of the arterial wall are strongly involved in promoting the development of atherosclerosis (ATS) in young SLE patients. In SLE, sonographic measurements of carotid intima-media thickness are able to recognize clinical, but not always subclinical, ATS. On the contrary, assessment of endothelial function and vascular stiffness through sonography-based techniques may be useful to reveal or exclude subclinical ATS. More efforts should be done to find a comprehensive approach to the study of subclinical ATS in SLE patients, since an early diagnosis may have a significant value in preventing the development of major vascular diseases.
Zardi
Enrico M
EM
Department of Clinical Medicine, Immunology and Rheumatology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy. e.zardi@unicampus.it
Afeltra
Antonella
A
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014463:Ultrasonography
D015415:Biomarkers