Achilles tendon xanthomas are associated with the presence and burden of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: A pilot study

Physical signs and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia: the HELLAS-FH Registry

AIMS

Three physical signs, namely tendon xanthomas, corneal arcus and xanthelasma, have been associated with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH). The prevalence and clinical significance of these signs are not well established among contemporary heFH individuals. This study explored the frequency as well as the association of these physical signs with prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in heFH individuals.

METHODS

Data from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry were applied for this analysis. The diagnosis of heFH was based on the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of heFH-related physical signs with prevalent ASCVD.

RESULTS

Adult patients ( n  = 2156, mean age 50 ± 15 years, 47.7% women) were included in this analysis. Among them, 14.5% had at least one heFH-related physical sign present. The prevalence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years was 6.6%, tendon xanthomas 5.3%, and xanthelasmas 5.8%. Among physical signs, only the presence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years was independently associated with the presence of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). No association of any physical sign with total CAD, stroke or peripheral artery disease was found. Patients with physical signs were more likely to receive higher intensity statin therapy and dual lipid-lowering therapy, but only a minority reached optimal lipid targets.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of physical signs is relatively low in contemporary heFH patients. The presence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years is independently associated with premature CAD.

Advances in familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a semi-dominant genetic disease affecting more than 25 million people worldwide, is associated with severe hypercholesterolemia and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Over the last decade, advances in data analysis, screening, diagnosis and cardiovascular risk stratification has significantly improved our ability to deliver precision medicine for these patients. Furthermore, recent updates on guideline recommendations and new therapeutic approaches have also proven to be highly beneficial. It is anticipated that both ongoing and upcoming clinical trials will offer further insights for the care and treatment of FH patients.

International Atherosclerosis Society guidance for implementing best practice in the care of familial hypercholesterolaemia

This contemporary, international, evidence-informed guidance aims to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) across different countries. FH, a family of monogenic defects in the hepatic LDL clearance pathway, is a preventable cause of premature coronary artery disease and death. Worldwide, 35 million people have FH, but most remain undiagnosed or undertreated. Current FH care is guided by a useful and diverse group of evidence-based guidelines, with some primarily directed at cholesterol management and some that are country-specific. However, none of these guidelines provides a comprehensive overview of FH care that includes both the lifelong components of clinical practice and strategies for implementation. Therefore, a group of international experts systematically developed this guidance to compile clinical strategies from existing evidence-based guidelines for the detection (screening, diagnosis, genetic testing and counselling) and management (risk stratification, treatment of adults or children with heterozygous or homozygous FH, therapy during pregnancy and use of apheresis) of patients with FH, update evidence-informed clinical recommendations, and develop and integrate consensus-based implementation strategies at the patient, provider and health-care system levels, with the aim of maximizing the potential benefit for at-risk patients and their families worldwide.

HDL Cholesterol Efflux and Serum Cholesterol Loading Capacity Alterations Associate to Macrophage Cholesterol Accumulation in FH Patients with Achilles Tendon Xanthoma

Achilles tendon xanthoma (ATX) formation involves macrophage cholesterol accumulation within the tendon, similar to that occurring in atheroma. Macrophage cholesterol homeostasis depends on serum lipoprotein functions, namely the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) capacity to promote cell cholesterol efflux (cholesterol efflux capacity, CEC) and the serum cholesterol loading capacity (CLC). We explored the HDL-CEC and serum CLC, comparing 16 FH patients with ATX to 29 FH patients without ATX. HDL-CEC through the main efflux mechanisms mediated by the transporters ATP binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) and A1 (ABCA1) and the aqueous diffusion (AD) process was determined by a cell-based radioisotopic technique and serum CLC fluorimetrically. Between the two groups, no significant differences were found in terms of plasma lipid profile. A trend toward reduction of cholesterol efflux via AD and a significant increase in ABCA1-mediated HDL-CEC (+18.6%) was observed in ATX compared to no ATX patients. In ATX-presenting patients, ABCG1-mediated HDL-CEC was lower (−11%) and serum CLC was higher (+14%) compared to patients without ATX. Considering all the patients together, ABCG1 HDL-CEC and serum CLC correlated with ATX thickness inversely (p = 0.013) and directly (p < 0.0001), respectively. In conclusion, lipoprotein dysfunctions seem to be involved in ATX physiopathology and progression in FH patients.

Possible Neoangiogenesis in Achilles Tendon Xanthoma with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Novel Approach to Achilles Tendon Xanthoma

Achilles tendon xanthoma (ATX) is one of the typical features of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The morphological evaluation of ATX by X-ray radiography is widely recognized; however, the utility of other imaging modalities remains unclear. We herein report two cases of FH in which Doppler ultrasound imaging demonstrated a microvascular flow in ATX that only rarely could be observed in normal Achilles tendons. Neoangiogenesis accompanies chronic inflammation and it may play an important role in the deposition of cholesterol crystals leading to ATX. In addition to the morphological evaluation of ATX, the assessment of neoangiogenesis may therefore be essential for the evaluation of ATX.

Relations of physical signs to genotype, lipid and inflammatory markers, coronary stenosis or calcification, and outcomes in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND

Although the presence of physical signs [tendon xanthomas and/or corneal arcus (TX/CA)], are associated with the risk of coronary artery disease in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), their relationship with genotypes and clinical characteristics has not been fully determined. This study aimed to examine the association of TX/CA with genetic mutation, lipid- and inflammation-related markers, the severity of coronary stenosis or calcification, and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with HeFH.

METHODS

LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes were screened in 523 HeFH patients, and patients with TX/CA (n = 50) were 1:4 propensity score-matched to patients without TX/CA (n = 200) to adjust for age and sex. Laboratory markers (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 [PCSK9], lipoprotein(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), computed tomography angiography, coronary angiography, and follow-up for CVEs were performed.

RESULTS

Patients with physical signs had significantly higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; higher PCSK9 or hsCRP concentrations; more LDLR positive mutations; and higher prevalence of high tertiles of Gensini, SYNTAX and Jeopardy scores as well as coronary artery calcium scores than did those without. Over an average follow-up of 3.7 years, the incidence of CVEs was significantly higher in patients with TX/CA (log-rank p < 0.001). Patients with physical signs and mutation positivity had threefold higher risks of CVEs (adjusted hazard ratio 3.34, 95% confidence interval 1.04-10.72, p = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical signs were associated with genotypes and phenotypes, and worse outcomes in patients with HeFH, suggesting that these signs may help in risk stratification in these patients.

Achilles tendon thickness is associated with coronary lesion severity in acute coronary syndrome patients without familial hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND

Thickening of Achilles tendon (≥9 mm on radiography) is one of the diagnostic criteria for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Since FH is associated with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), measurement of Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) is important for early diagnosis of FH. However, clinical significance of mild thickening of Achilles tendon in non-FH patients with CAD is unclear. The present study investigated the association of ATT with coronary lesion severity in early-onset ACS without clinically diagnosed FH.

METHODS

From outpatients who had a history of ACS under 60 years old, 76 clinically non-FH subjects (71 men and 5 women; mean age at the onset of ACS, 50.5 years) with maximum ATT of <9 mm were enrolled in this study. The severity of coronary lesions was assessed by SYNTAX score derived from coronary angiography at the onset of ACS.

RESULTS

ATT levels were not significantly different among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, n=47), non-STEMI (n=12), and unstable angina (n=17). Whereas, both average and maximum ATT were significantly larger in patients with multivessel lesions (n=25) than in those with single-vessel disease (n=51). Furthermore, SYNTAX score was positively correlated with average ATT (r=0.368, p=0.0011) and maximum ATT (r=0.388, p=0.0005). As for the relation to clinical parameters, maximum ATT had positive correlations with body mass index and C-reactive protein. A multiple regression analysis revealed that average and maximum ATT were significantly associated with SYNTAX score, independently of various confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that ATT, even though its level was <9 mm, was associated with coronary lesion severity in clinically non-FH patients with early-onset ACS. Apart from diagnosing FH, ATT may be a predictor of the progression of CAD.

2020 APHRS/HRS expert consensus statement on the investigation of decedents with sudden unexplained death and patients with sudden cardiac arrest, and of their families

This international multidisciplinary document intends to provide clinicians with evidence-based practical patient-centered recommendations for evaluating patients and decedents with (aborted) sudden cardiac arrest and their families. The document includes a framework for the investigation of the family allowing steps to be taken, should an inherited condition be found, to minimize further events in affected relatives. Integral to the process is counseling of the patients and families, not only because of the emotionally charged subject, but because finding (or not finding) the cause of the arrest may influence management of family members. The formation of multidisciplinary teams is essential to provide a complete service to the patients and their families, and the varied expertise of the writing committee was formulated to reflect this need. The document sections were divided up and drafted by the writing committee members according to their expertise. The recommendations represent the consensus opinion of the entire writing committee, graded by Class of Recommendation and Level of Evidence. The recommendations were opened for public comment and reviewed by the relevant scientific and clinical document committees of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS); the document underwent external review and endorsement by the partner and collaborating societies. While the recommendations are for optimal care, it is recognized that not all resources will be available to all clinicians. Nevertheless, this document articulates the evaluation that the clinician should aspire to provide for patients with sudden cardiac arrest, decedents with sudden unexplained death, and their families.

2020 APHRS/HRS expert consensus statement on the investigation of decedents with sudden unexplained death and patients with sudden cardiac arrest, and of their families

This international multidisciplinary document intends to provide clinicians with evidence-based practical patient-centered recommendations for evaluating patients and decedents with (aborted) sudden cardiac arrest and their families. The document includes a framework for the investigation of the family allowing steps to be taken, should an inherited condition be found, to minimize further events in affected relatives. Integral to the process is counseling of the patients and families, not only because of the emotionally charged subject, but because finding (or not finding) the cause of the arrest may influence management of family members. The formation of multidisciplinary teams is essential to provide a complete service to the patients and their families, and the varied expertise of the writing committee was formulated to reflect this need. The document sections were divided up and drafted by the writing committee members according to their expertise. The recommendations represent the consensus opinion of the entire writing committee, graded by Class of Recommendation and Level of Evidence. The recommendations were opened for public comment and reviewed by the relevant scientific and clinical document committees of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS); the document underwent external review and endorsement by the partner and collaborating societies. While the recommendations are for optimal care, it is recognized that not all resources will be available to all clinicians. Nevertheless, this document articulates the evaluation that the clinician should aspire to provide for patients with sudden cardiac arrest, decedents with sudden unexplained death, and their families.

Achilles tendon thickening is associated with higher incidence of adverse cardiovascular event in patients with coronary artery disease

Achilles tendon thickening (ATT) is a marker of high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association between the presence of ATT and the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with CAD is unclear. A total of 406 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and ATT assessment were analyzed. ATT was defined as the Achilles tendon thickness of 9 mm or more on radiography. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1-year was compared between patients with ATT and those without ATT. MACE included cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and non-TVR. ATT was found in 67 patients (16.5%). The incidence of cardiac death (3.2 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.001), TVR (12.7 vs. 4.0%, p = 0.005) and MACE (20.6 vs. 9.6%, p = 0.011) was significantly higher in the ATT group than the no ATT group. Patients with ATT had significantly higher incidence of cardiac death (5.6 vs. 0%, p < 0.001) than those without ATT even if they did not meet the diagnostic criteria of familial hypercholesterolemia. A multivariate model demonstrated that ATT was independently associated with the MACE at 1-year (Hazard ratio, 2.09; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.09-4.00, p = 0.026). The presence of ATT was independently associated with 1-year recurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with CAD undergoing PCI. Assessment of ATT might be useful for risk stratification of secondary cardiovascular events.

The value of physical signs in identifying patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in the era of genetic testing

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common, inherited disorder of cholesterol metabolism characterized by very high plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is crucial to diagnose and treat this disorder early since if left untreated it increases the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) at least by 10-fold. Although genetic testing for FH, when available and affordable, should ideally be offered to most individuals with clinical phenotype suggestive of FH, it is underutilized in most countries. Therefore, FH diagnosis in the majority of cases is made by combining cholesterol levels and clinical characteristics of the patient leaving the need for genetic testing usually in equivocal cases. The presence of some cutaneous and ocular signs can raise the suspicion or even lead to the diagnosis of FH among usually "healthy" individuals. These physical signs comprise cutaneous lesions such as tendon xanthomas or the less specific xanthelasmata and ocular signs, such as corneal arcus in individuals under the age of 45 years. The presence of these signs should prompt the physician to request lipid tests and use clinical scores to diagnose FH. If the diagnosis of FH is likely, aggressive lipid-lowering therapy should be initiated to reduce the risk of CAD and a cascade screening of family members should also be requested.

Achilles Tendon Thickness Is an Independent Predictor of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Is Associated With a Carotid Plaque Burden

The aim of the study was to research the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis markers and ultrasound parameters of Achilles tendons (AT). The study included 150 patients at high and very high cardiovascular risk (CVR). All patients underwent a carotid ultrasound scanning. We evaluated carotid plaque, carotid plaque score (cPS), carotid total plaque area (cTPA), and the percentage of stenosis. All patients underwent AT ultrasound with an assessment of thickness (Achilles tendon thickness [ATT]), width (Achilles tendon width), and cross-sectional area. An increase in the ATT ≥5.07 mm was associated with a 4.55-fold increase in the relative risk of carotid atherosclerosis (sensitivity 68.3% and specificity 62.5%). Direct correlations between the ATT and carotid stenosis (r = 0.277; P = .004), cPS (r = 0.225; P = .035), and cTPA (r = 0.305; P = .004) were determined. An increase in the mean ATT by 1 mm was associated with an increase in cTPA by 8.09 mm² (95% CI: 2.26-13.9; P = .007) and carotid stenosis by 4.11% (95% CI: 0.64-7.60; P = .021). Thus, in patients with high and very high CVR, an increase in ATT is an independent predictor of carotid atherosclerosis. The ATT directly correlates with the markers of carotid plaque burden.

Association between Achilles tendon xanthoma and severity of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Tendon xanthoma, represented as Achilles tendon xanthoma (ATX), is one of the important diagnostic criteria for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). However, there are some cases with ATX who do not meet these criteria. This study aimed to investigate the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with ATX.

METHODS

A total of 394 patients with CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at Chiba University Hospital between June 2016 and February 2018 were enrolled. Soft X-ray radiography of Achilles tendon was performed, and a maximum thickness of 9 mm or more was regarded as ATX. Heterozygous FH was diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria proposed by the Japan Atherosclerosis Society in 2017. CAD severity was assessed by SYNTAX score before the first PCI during the study period.

RESULTS

There were 43 (10.9%) patients with ATX, and 16 (4.1%) were diagnosed as FH (15 with ATX and 1 without ATX). The ATX group showed greater body mass index, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and the higher prevalence of FH, diabetes, prior myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, multivessel disease, hemodialysis, and prior statin administration. SYNTAX score and the rate of SYNTAX score ≥23 were significantly higher in the ATX group compared with the non-ATX group (p < 0.001 for each). When patients were divided into quartiles according to Achilles tendon thickness, SYNTAX score and the prevalence of SYNTAX score ≥23 were progressively increased in favor of greater Achilles tendon thickness (p < 0.001 for each). Multivariate analysis determined male, diabetes, and ATX as independent predictors for higher SYNTAX score.

CONCLUSIONS

In CAD patients undergoing PCI, ATX was independently associated with severity of CAD. Detecting ATX may be useful not only for diagnosing FH, but also for identifying patients with advanced CAD.

Familial hypercholesterolemia: The skin speaks

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder of lipoprotein metabolism caused by defects in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. It is characterized by high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), and tendon xanthomas. We present the case of a 26-year-old gentleman who presented with multiple nodular eruptions over the extensor aspects of upper and lower limbs and was diagnosed as FH on the basis of positive family history, typical lipid profile abnormalities, and biopsy of the nodule consistent with tendon xanthomas. The diagnosis and management of this case is deftly feasible at the primary care level.

Vascular age derived from coronary artery calcium score on the risk stratification of individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate if vascular age derived from coronary artery calcium (CAC) score improves atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk discrimination in primary prevention asymptomatic heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) patients undergoing standard lipid-lowering therapy.

Methods and results

Two hundred and six molecularly confirmed FH individuals (age 45 ± 14 years, 36% males, baseline LDL-cholesterol 6.2 ± 2.2 mmol/L; 239 ± 85mg/dL) were followed by 4.4 ± 2.9 years (median: 3.7 years, interquartile ranges 2.7–6.8). CAC measurement was performed, and lipid-lowering therapy was optimized according to FH guidelines. Vascular age was derived from CAC and calculated according to the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis algorithm. Risk estimation based on the Framingham equations was calculated for both biological (bFRS) and vascular (vaFRS) age. During follow-up, 15 ASCVD events (7.2%) were documented. The annualized rate of events for bFRS &lt;10%, 10–20%, and &gt;20% was respectively: 8.45 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.17–22.52], 23.28 (95% CI 9.69–55.94), and 28.13 (95% CI 12.63–62.61) per 1000 patients. The annualized rate of events for vaFRS &lt;10%, 10–20%, and &gt;20% was respectively: 0, 0, and 50.37 (95% CI 30.37–83.56) per 1000 patients. vaFRS presented a better discrimination for ASCVD events compared to bFRS 0.7058 (95% CI 0.5866–0.8250) vs. vaFRS 0.8820 (95% CI 0.8286–0.9355), P = 0.0005.

Conclusion

CAC derived vascular age can improve ASCVD risk discrimination in primary prevention FH subjects. This tool may help further stratify risk in FH patients already receiving lipid-lowering medication who might be candidates for further treatment with newer therapies.

Reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: Risk prediction and lipid management

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a frequent genetic disorder characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and early onset of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. FH is caused by mutations in genes that regulate LDL catabolism, mainly the LDL receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB) and gain of function of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9). However, the phenotype may be encountered in individuals not carrying the latter monogenic defects, in approximately 20% of these effects of polygenes predominate, and in many individuals no molecular defects are encountered at all. These so-called FH phenocopy individuals have an elevated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in comparison with normolipidemic individuals but this risk is lower than in those with monogenic disease. Individuals with FH are exposed to elevated LDL-C levels since birth and this explains the high cardiovascular, mainly coronary heart disease, burden of these subjects. However, recent studies show that this risk is heterogenous and depends not only on high LDL-C levels but also on presence of previous cardiovascular disease, a monogenic cause, male sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, low HDL-cholesterol, obesity and elevated lipoprotein(a). This heterogeneity in risk can be captured by risk equations like one from the SAFEHEART cohort and by detection of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. High dose high potency statins are the main stain for LDL-C lowering in FH, however, in most situations these medications are not powered enough to reduce cholesterol to adequate levels. Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors should also be used in order to better treat LDL-C in FH patients.

Is the coronary artery calcium score the first-line tool for investigating patients with severe hypercholesterolemia?

Background

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is known as a reliable tool for estimating risk of myocardial infarction, coronary death, all-cause mortality and is even used to evaluate suitable asymptomatic patients. We therefore aimed to evaluate whether CAC scoring can be applied in the algorithm for clinical examination of patients with severe hypercholesterolemia (SH).

Methods

During the period of 2016–2017 a total of 213 asymptomatic adults, underwent computed tomography angiography to evaluate their CAC scoring. The sample consisted of 110 patients with SH and 103 age and sex matched controls without dyslipidemia and established cardiovascular disease.

Results

In total there were 79 (37.2%) subjects with elevated (≥25th) CAC percentiles. Out of them 47 (59.5%) had SH and 32 (40.5%) did not. CAC score did not differ between groups (SH (+) 140.30 ± 185.72 vs SH (−) 87.84 ± 140.65, p = 0.146), however there was a comparable difference in how the participants of these groups distributed among different percentile groups (p = 0.044). Gender, blood pressure, tabaco use, physical activity, family history of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus were not associated with CAC score (p > 0.05). There were no significant correlations between biochemical parameters and CAC percentiles except for increase in lipoprotein(a) (p = 0.038). Achilles tendon pathology, visceral obesity, body mass index and increased waist-hip ratio were not associated with CAC percentiles either (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

CAC score is not associated with presence of SH. CAC score is not an appropriate diagnostic tool in the algorithm for clinical examination of patients with SH. Further larger studies are needed to support our findings.

A Novel Modified System of Simplified Chinese Criteria for Familial Hypercholesterolemia (SCCFH)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The most significant clinical implication of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD), highlighting the importance of a definitive diagnosis being available. Unfortunately, the existing algorithms are complex and it is often difficult to obtain information on the patient's family history. Hence, we aimed to establish a novel system of Simplified Chinese Criteria for FH (SCCFH).

METHODS

We recruited 12,921 participants undergoing routine blood collection from November 2011 to June 2018. Clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, and genetic testing were obtained. FH was diagnosed based on the Simon Broome (SB) criteria, Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria, and SCCFH. The sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of SCCFH to these existing criteria were investigated.

RESULTS

Of 12,921 participants reviewed, the prevalence of definite FH was 223 (1.73%), 202 (1.56%), and 205 (1.59%) based on the DLCN, SB, and SCCFH approaches, respectively. Compared with the DLCN and SB criteria, the SCCFH showed high sensitivity (91.9% and 100%), high specificity (100% and 99.9%), and good agreement (κ = 0.958 and 0.993). Similar results were found in several relevant clinical subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

The SCCFH system is comparable to the existing criteria with high levels of sensitivity and specificity, and is easier to use clinically. Further larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of this system.

Achilles tendon ultrasonography - A useful screening tool for cardiovascular risk estimation in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Achilles tendon lesions have long been associated with genetic defects in lipid metabolism and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). With this study we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of Achilles tendon ultrasonography in identifying people at greater risk among subjects with severe hypercholesterolemia (SH) in a high-risk population.

METHODS

During the period of 2016-2017 a total of 213 participants were enrolled in this case-control study. Data of 110 patients with SH and 103 age and sex matched controls without dyslipidaeplemia and established CVD was collected.

RESULTS

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) was present in 42.7% of subjects with SH and in 29.1% of controls (p = 0.039). Stronger association between SH and AT was seen in women - 24.1% vs 2.0% (p = 0.001). SH increased odds of AT by 1.815 (95% CI, 1.028-3.206). Prevalence of AT was higher in males despite presence (SH⁺) or absence (SH^-) of severe hypercholesterolemia (SH⁺ 60.7% vs 24.1%, SH^- 55.8% vs 2.0%, p < 0.001). AT was associated with higher proportion of subjects exceeding normal mean values of TC (80.5% vs 52.9%, p = 0.001), LDL-C (76.6% vs 52.2%), TG (54.5% vs. 22.1%), ApoB (57.1% vs 22.2%), ApoE (44.0% vs 22.4%) levels and ApoB/ApoA ratio (46.1% vs 21.5%) (p = 0.001) and family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD).

CONCLUSIONS

AT is more prevalent among subjects with SH and is associated with higher levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ApoB, ApoE, ApoB/ApoA ratio, family history of premature CHD. SH increases the odds of developing AT.

Case report-Rapid regression of xanthomas under lipoprotein apheresis in a boy with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Xanthomas are visibly deforming cholesterol deposits that develop after long-term exposure to high serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. We present the case of a 10-year-old boy suffering from homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia with generalized atherosclerosis and large xanthomas. The case impressively demonstrates the potential of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering to rapidly regress pathologic cutaneous manifestations of hypercholesterolemia.