Sonographic and Serologic Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objectives: evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction sonographically and by serological markers and assess its correlation with disease activity in patients with AS compared with healthy controls. Methods: the study population included 42 AS patients and 42 healthy controls were subjected to detailed history and clinical examination. Spinal mobility was assessed using BASMI. Disease activity was evaluated with BASDAI. Functional status was evaluated with BASFI. Laboratory evaluation includes FBG, CRP, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, CD141, vWF and UT-II. Radiographic assessment included plain X-ray pelvis and ultrasound measurements (CIMT, FMD and ABI). Results: AS patients had significantly higher CRP, CD141, VWF and UT-II with mean 21.7, 28.9, 194.5 and 11.4 respectively. With no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding lipid profile and fasting glucose. AS patients had significantly higher CIMT (P = 0.00), FMD (P = 0.03) and ABI (P = 0.00). Significant differences were reported between the 2 groups regarding AS disease activity indices (BASFI, BASDAI and BASMI) (P = 0.00), CRP (P = 0.02) and CIMT (P = 0.02). Conclusion: The present study provides evidence of increased association of atherosclerosis in AS subjects compared to controls. This should pro¬vide impetus to early intervention strategies to prevent accelerated atherosclerosis which would help in reducing the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with this disease.