1
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Madenidou AV, Mavrogeni S, Nikiphorou E. Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiac Imaging in Inflammatory Arthritis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040909. [PMID: 37109438 PMCID: PMC10143346 DOI: 10.3390/life13040909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are more prevalent in inflammatory arthritis (IA) compared to the general population. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) published guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management in IA in 2016, with plans to update going forward based on the latest emerging evidence. Herein we review the latest evidence on cardiovascular disease in IA, taking a focus on rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondylarthritis, reflecting on the scale of the problem and imaging modalities to identify disease. Evidence demonstrates that both traditional CVD factors and inflammation contribute to the higher CVD burden. Whereas CVD has decreased with the newer anti-rheumatic treatments currently available, CVD continues to remain an important comorbidity in IA patients calling for prompt screening and management of CVD and related risk factors. Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging has been attracting much attention in view of the possibility of detecting cardiovascular lesions in IA accurately and promptly, even at the pre-clinical stage. We reflect on imaging modalities to screen for CVD in IA and on the important role of rheumatologists and cardiologists working closely together.
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2
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Kumar K, Seetharam K, Poonam F, Gulati A, Sadiq A, Shetty V. The Role of Cardiac Imaging in the Evaluation of Cardiac Involvement in Systemic Diseases. Cureus 2021; 13:e20708. [PMID: 35106243 PMCID: PMC8788898 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
For systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, systemic vasculitis, myopathies, and mixed connective tissue diseases, cardiac disease is a major contributing factor for morbidity and mortality. The cardiovascular manifestations are the result of various pathophysiological components, which complicate management. Furthermore, the signs and symptoms can be subtle and missed due to the complex nature of the underlying condition. As a result, various imaging approaches play an imperative role in diagnosis and prognosis. The evolving role of these modalities could lead to risk stratification and improved therapies in the future. In conclusion, our review article will highlight the role of cardiac imaging in the evaluation of cardiac involvement for systemic diseases.
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3
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Dawson LP, Dinh D, O'Brien J, Duffy SJ, Guymer E, Brennan A, Clark D, Oqueli E, Hiew C, Freeman M, Reid CM, Ajani AE. Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Am J Cardiol 2021; 140:39-46. [PMID: 33144158 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2020.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory arthritis and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Evidence regarding outcomes following PCI is limited. This study aimed to assess differences in outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between patients with and without RA. The Melbourne Interventional Group PCI registry (2005 to 2018) was used to identify 756 patients with RA. Outcomes were compared with the remaining cohort (n = 38,579). Patients with RA were older, more often female, with higher rates of hypertension, previous stroke, peripheral vascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic lung disease, myocardial infarction, and renal impairment, whereas rates of dyslipidemia and current smoking were lower, all p <0.05. Lesions in patients with RA were more frequently complex (ACC/AHA type B2/C), requiring longer stents, with higher rates of no reflow, all p <0.05. Risk of long-term mortality, adjusted for potential confounders, was higher for patients with RA (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 1.80; median follow-up 5.0 years), whereas 30-day outcomes including mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, bleeding, stroke, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery, and target vessel revascularization were similar. In subgroup analysis, patients with RA and lower BMI (Pfor interaction < 0.001) and/or acute coronary syndromes (Pfor interaction = 0.05) had disproportionately higher risk of long-term mortality compared with patients without RA. In conclusion, patients with RA who underwent PCI had more co-morbidities and longer, complex coronary lesions. Risk of short-term adverse outcomes was similar, whereas risk of long-term mortality was higher, especially among patients with acute coronary syndromes and lower body mass index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke P Dawson
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Diem Dinh
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica O'Brien
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen J Duffy
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Guymer
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela Brennan
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Clark
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ernesto Oqueli
- Department of Cardiology, Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chin Hiew
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Freeman
- Department of Cardiology, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher M Reid
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew E Ajani
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, Melbourne University, Victoria, Australia.
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4
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Giollo A, Farina N, Cioffi G, Ognibeni F, Dalbeni A, Orsolini G, Idolazzi L, Gatti D, Rossini M, Viapiana O. Concentric left ventricular remodelling is associated with subclinical systolic dysfunction in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol Suppl 2020; 49:389-396. [DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2020.1739328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Giollo
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - N Farina
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - G Cioffi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - F Ognibeni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - A Dalbeni
- General Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - G Orsolini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - L Idolazzi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - D Gatti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - M Rossini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - O Viapiana
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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5
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Makavos G, Varoudi M, Papangelopoulou K, Kapniari E, Plotas P, Ikonomidis I, Papadavid E. Echocardiography in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiovascular Complications. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2020; 56:medicina56090445. [PMID: 32883041 PMCID: PMC7558642 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are systemic diseases frequently affecting the heart and vessels. The main cardiovascular complications are pericarditis, myocarditis, valvular disease, obstructive coronary artery disease and coronary microcirculatory dysfunction, cardiac failure and pulmonary hypertension. Echocardiography, including transthoracic two and three-dimensional echocardiography, Doppler imaging, myocardial deformation and transesophageal echo, is an established and widely available imaging technique for the identification of cardiovascular manifestations that are crucial for prognosis in rheumatic diseases. Echocardiography is also important for monitoring the impact of drug treatment on cardiac function, coronary microcirculatory function, valvular function and pulmonary artery pressures. In this article we summarize established and evolving knowledge on the role of echocardiography for diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular abnormalities in rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Makavos
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-5832187
| | - Maria Varoudi
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
| | - Konstantina Papangelopoulou
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
| | - Eirini Kapniari
- Second Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (E.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
| | - Ignatios Ikonomidis
- Second Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (M.V.); (K.P.); (P.P.); (I.I.)
| | - Evangelia Papadavid
- Second Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (E.P.)
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6
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Ikonomidis I, Makavos G, Katsimbri P, Boumpas DT, Parissis J, Iliodromitis E. Imaging Risk in Multisystem Inflammatory Diseases. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 12:2517-2537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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7
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Zanatta E, Colombo C, D’Amico G, d’Humières T, Dal Lin C, Tona F. Inflammation and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225563. [PMID: 31703406 PMCID: PMC6888405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) form a heterogeneous group of disorders that include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), and systemic vasculitis. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is quite common in patients with ARDs and is linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of both accelerated atherosclerosis and CMD in ARDs, especially in patients affected by SLE and RA. In this regard, some studies have highlighted the efficacy of immunosuppressants and/or biologics in restoring CMD in these patients. By contrast, the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of CMD-SSc appears to be much less relevant compared to endothelial dysfunction and microvascular ischemia, with calcium-channel blockers providing some benefits. Few studies have endeavored to assess the occurrence of CMD in IIMs and systemic vasculitis, thus warranting further investigations. The present review summarizes the current evidence on the occurrence of CMD in ARDs, focusing on the role of inflammation and possible therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Colombo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.C.); (G.D.); (C.D.L.)
| | - Gianpiero D’Amico
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.C.); (G.D.); (C.D.L.)
| | - Thomas d’Humières
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, AP-HP, Henri-Mondor Teaching Hospital, 94010 Créteil, France;
| | - Carlo Dal Lin
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.C.); (G.D.); (C.D.L.)
| | - Francesco Tona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.C.); (G.D.); (C.D.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Sidiropoulos P, Sfikakis PP, Boumpas DD, Vassilopoulos D. Twenty Years of Targeted Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Greek Databases: Achievements and Unmet Needs. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2019; 30:141-146. [PMID: 32185356 PMCID: PMC7045862 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.30.3.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality especially in difficult to treat cases. Biologic agents were introduced 20 years ago in Greece and RA management has paralleled the European experience. Several publications from the country have captured important aspects of the disease from its epidemiology to the clinical use of biologics and management of comorbidities. In this communication we review the management of RA and its evolution over the last 20 years in Greece, discussing the major achievements and the unmet needs of the disease in an effort to put this into a perspective. We conclude that introduction of biologic therapy has substantially changed the treatment of difficult to treat rheumatoid arthritis in-spite of the multiple unmet needs. While striving for even better outcomes, we cannot lose sight of the major impact of biologic therapies on the lives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
- Laboratory of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios D. Boumpas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Hippokration General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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9
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Bordy R, Totoson P, Prati C, Marie C, Wendling D, Demougeot C. Microvascular endothelial dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2019; 14:404-420. [PMID: 29855620 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-018-0022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The systemic autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity and is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) result from accelerated atherogenesis, which is a consequence of endothelial dysfunction in the early stages of the disease. Endothelial dysfunction is a functional and reversible alteration of endothelial cells and leads to a shift in the properties of the endothelium towards reduced vasodilation, a pro-inflammatory state, and proliferative and prothrombotic properties. In RA, endothelial dysfunction can occur in the large vessels (such as the conduit arteries) and in the small vessels of the microvasculature, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissue and control inflammation, repair and fluid exchange with the surrounding tissues. Growing evidence suggests that microvascular endothelial dysfunction contributes to CVD development, as it precedes and predicts the development of conduit artery atherosclerosis and associated risk factors. As such, numerous studies have investigated microvascular endothelial dysfunction in RA, including its link with disease activity, disease duration and inflammation, the effect of treatments on endothelial function, and possible circulating biomarkers of microvascular endothelial dysfunction. Such findings could have important implications in the cardiovascular risk management of patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Bordy
- PEPITE EA4267, FHU INCREASE, Universitaire Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Santé, F-25000, Besançon, France
| | - Perle Totoson
- PEPITE EA4267, FHU INCREASE, Universitaire Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Santé, F-25000, Besançon, France
| | - Clément Prati
- PEPITE EA4267, FHU INCREASE, Universitaire Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Santé, F-25000, Besançon, France.,Service de Rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Besançon, F-25000, Besançon, France
| | - Christine Marie
- INSERM UMR1093 CAPS, Universitaire Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - Daniel Wendling
- Service de Rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Besançon, F-25000, Besançon, France.,EA 4266, Universitaire Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Santé, F-25000, Besançon, France
| | - Céline Demougeot
- PEPITE EA4267, FHU INCREASE, Universitaire Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Santé, F-25000, Besançon, France.
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10
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De Lorenzis E, Gremese E, Bosello S, Nurmohamed MT, Sinagra G, Ferraccioli G. Microvascular heart involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases: The purinergic pathway and therapeutic insights from the biology of the diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:317-324. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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11
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Mackey RH, Kuller LH, Moreland LW. Update on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2018; 44:475-487. [PMID: 30001787 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is 1.5-fold higher in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), partly due to subclinical atherosclerosis that develops before the diagnosis of RA. Dyslipidemia in RA is better quantified by lipoproteins and apolipoproteins than by cholesterol levels. Current risk factors likely underestimate CVD risk by underestimating prior risk factor levels. Some of the 2-fold higher risk of heart failure and total mortality in RA may be due to myocardial disease caused by inflammation. Per recent recommendations, to reduce CVD risk in RA, control disease activity, reduce inflammation, and aggressively treat CVD risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Mackey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 542 Bellefield Professional Building, 130 North Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Lewis H Kuller
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Room 550, Bellefield Professional Building, 130 North Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Larry W Moreland
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3500 Terrace Street, Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower South 711, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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12
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Fenton SAM, Sandoo A, Metsios GS, Duda JL, Kitas GD, Veldhuijzen van Zanten JJCS. Sitting time is negatively related to microvascular endothelium-dependent function in rheumatoid arthritis. Microvasc Res 2018; 117:57-60. [PMID: 29355580 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedentary behaviour is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but the biological processes underlying this relationship are not understood. OBJECTIVES To investigate the cross-sectional associations of habitual sedentary behaviour, with endothelial function in RA. METHODS Sixty-eight RA patients (Mage = 55 ± 12 years) underwent Laser Doppler Imaging with iontophoresis, to assess microvascular endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine, ACh) and endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) function. Large-vessel endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent functions were measured via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and glyceryl trinitrate dilation (GTN), respectively. Habitual sedentary behaviour (hours/week sitting) was self-reported (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). RESULTS Regressions revealed sitting time significantly negatively predicted microvascular endothelium-dependent function (ACh, unstandardizedβ = -3.25, p = .02, 95% CI [-6.07, -.42], R2 = 0.06), but did not associate with other endothelial function outcomes (SNP, FMD, GTN). CONCLUSION Habitual sedentary behaviour (sitting time) appears to be adversely linked to microvascular endothelium-dependent function among people living with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A M Fenton
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, United Kingdom.
| | - Aamer Sandoo
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - George S Metsios
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health Education and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Joan L Duda
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - George D Kitas
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, United Kingdom
| | - Jet J C S Veldhuijzen van Zanten
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, United Kingdom
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13
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Mackey RH, Kuller LH, Moreland LW. Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases. Clin Geriatr Med 2018; 33:105-117. [PMID: 27886692 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests the greater than 1.5 increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is related to an accelerated burden of subclinical atherosclerosis that develops before the diagnosis of RA. Dyslipidemia in RA is better quantified by lipoproteins and apolipoproteins than cholesterol levels. Current risk factors likely underestimate CVD risk partly by underestimating prior risk factor levels. To reduce CVD risk in RA, control disease activity and aggressively treat CVD risk factors. Some of the two-fold higher risk of heart failure and total mortality in RA may be due to myocardial disease caused by inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Mackey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 542 Bellefield Professional Building, 130 North Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Lewis H Kuller
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Room 550, Bellefield Professional Building, 130 North Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Larry W Moreland
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3500 Terrace Street, Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower South 711, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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14
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is an important extra-articular manifestation of rheumatologic diseases leading to considerable mortality and morbidity. Echocardiography emerges as a useful non-invasive technique for the screening and evaluation of cardiac involvement in these patients. With the technological advancement in echocardiographic techniques, we have gained a greater appreciation of the prevalence and nature of the cardiac involvement in these patients, as detection of subclinical disease is increasingly feasible. This review discusses cardiac involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, systemic sclerosis and ankylosing spondylitis, and the role of different echocardiographic modalities in their evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha A Al-Mohaissen
- Department of Clinical Sciences (Cardiology), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kwan-Leung Chan
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Room H3412, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7, Canada.
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15
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Sandoo A. Important Considerations for Examining Endothelial Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2017; 28:112-115. [PMID: 32185268 PMCID: PMC7046061 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.28.3.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aamer Sandoo
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom.,Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, United Kingdom
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16
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Dimitroulas T, Hodson J, Sandoo A, Smith J, Kitas GD. Endothelial injury in rheumatoid arthritis: a crosstalk between dimethylarginines and systemic inflammation. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:32. [PMID: 28183353 PMCID: PMC5301328 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Symmetric (SDMA) and asymmetric (ADMA) dimethylarginines have emerged as novel biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in several disease settings associated with atherosclerosis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by high CVD mortality and morbidity. ADMA and SDMA levels are abnormal in RA patients, but their correlation with assessments of endothelial function and structure remains unknown. We aimed to investigate whether SDMA and ADMA are associated with carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and arterial stiffness as well as non-invasive assessments of in vivo micro- and macrovascular endothelial function in RA patients with high systemic inflammatory load. Method ADMA and SDMA levels were measured using immunoassays in 197 RA individuals. Twenty-six of these [23 (86.4%) females, median age 70, quartiles (60, 73)] were identified as having high inflammatory markers [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) >25 mm/hr and C-reactive protein (CRP) > 5 mg/L], and were compared to the remainder of the cohort. Patients underwent assessments of microvascular endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent function [laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis of acetylcholine (Ach) and sodium-nitroprusside (SNP) respectively], macrovascular endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent function (flow-mediated dilatation and glyceryl-trinitrate-mediated dilation respectively), and vascular morphology [pulse wave analysis, and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT)]. Results Significant interactions with inflammation were detected in the associations between ACh and both SDMA (p = 0.014) and ADMA:SDMA ratio (p = 0.027), as well as between SNP and SDMA (p = 0.042) and between arterial stiffness and ADMA:SDMA (p = 0.036), with the associations being stronger in the patients with high inflammatory markers in each case. Conclusions Besides their emerging role as markers of endothelial dysfunction SDMA and ADMA may promote endothelial injury in RA as mediators of the adverse effects of systemic inflammation on micro- and macrovasculature respectively in patients with active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Dimitroulas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. .,Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS FT, Pensnett Road, DY1 2HQ, Dudley, UK.
| | - James Hodson
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Aamer Sandoo
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, George Building, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, LL57 2PZ, UK
| | - Jacqueline Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS FT, Pensnett Road, DY1 2HQ, Dudley, UK
| | - George D Kitas
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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Sandoo A, Hodson J, Douglas KM, Smith JP, Kitas GD. The association between functional and morphological assessments of endothelial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study. Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 15:R107. [PMID: 24010810 PMCID: PMC3979143 DOI: 10.1186/ar4287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). One of the earliest manifestations of CVD is endothelial dysfunction (ED), which can lead to functional and morphological vascular abnormalities. Several non-invasive assessments of vascular function and morphology can be utilised to assess vascular health, but little is known about the association between each of these assessments in patients with RA, and they tend to be used interchangeably in the literature. The objective of the present study was to examine associations between measures of vascular function and morphology in patients with RA. Methods A total of 201 RA patients (155 females, median (25th to 75th percentile) age: 67 (59 to 73)) underwent assessments of microvascular endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent function (laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium-nitroprusside respectively), macrovascular endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent function (flow-mediated dilatation and glyceryl-trinitrate-mediated dilation respectively), and vascular morphology (pulse wave analysis, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and carotid plaque). Results Spearman's correlations revealed that from the functional parameters, only macrovascular endothelium-independent function was inversely associated with cIMT (-0.294 (P < 0.001)) after applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. For carotid plaque, t tests showed that macrovascular endothelium-independent function was lower in patients with plaque than without (15.5 ± 8.3 vs. 23.1 ± 9.1%, P = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions With the exception of macrovascular endothelium-independent function, all other measures of vascular function were not associated with vascular morphology. This suggests that different assessments of vascular function and morphology in patients with RA reflect quite distinct mechanisms and phases of the atherosclerotic process and should not be used interchangeably.
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Perry E, Kelly C, Eggleton P, De Soyza A, Hutchinson D. The lung in ACPA-positive rheumatoid arthritis: an initiating site of injury? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2014; 53:1940-50. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keu195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Pahau H, Brown MA, Paul S, Thomas R, Videm V. Cardiovascular disease is increased prior to onset of rheumatoid arthritis but not osteoarthritis: the population-based Nord-Trøndelag health study (HUNT). Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16:R85. [PMID: 24693947 PMCID: PMC4060363 DOI: 10.1186/ar4527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. We sought to test the hypothesis that due to increased inflammation, CV disease and risk factors are associated with increased risk of future RA development. Methods The population-based Nord-Trøndelag health surveys (HUNT) were conducted among the entire adult population of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway. All inhabitants 20 years or older were invited, and information was collected through comprehensive questionnaires, a clinical examination, and blood samples. In a cohort design, data from HUNT2 (1995–1997, baseline) and HUNT3 (2006–2008, follow-up) were obtained to study participants with RA (n = 786) or osteoarthritis (n = 3,586) at HUNT3 alone, in comparison with individuals without RA or osteoarthritis at both times (n = 33,567). Results Female gender, age, smoking, body mass index, and history of previous CV disease were associated with self-reported incident RA (previous CV disease: odds ratio 1.52 (95% confidence interval 1.11-2.07). The findings regarding previous CV disease were confirmed in sensitivity analyses excluding participants with psoriasis (odds ratio (OR) 1.70 (1.23-2.36)) or restricting the analysis to cases with a hospital diagnosis of RA (OR 1.90 (1.10-3.27)) or carriers of the shared epitope (OR 1.76 (1.13-2.74)). History of previous CV disease was not associated with increased risk of osteoarthritis (OR 1.04 (0.86-1.27)). Conclusion A history of previous CV disease was associated with increased risk of incident RA but not osteoarthritis.
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Protogerou AD, Panagiotakos DB, Zampeli E, Argyris AA, Arida K, Konstantonis GD, Pitsavos C, Kitas GD, Sfikakis PP. Arterial hypertension assessed "out-of-office" in a contemporary cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients free of cardiovascular disease is characterized by high prevalence, low awareness, poor control and increased vascular damage-associated "white coat" phenomenon. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R142. [PMID: 24286134 PMCID: PMC3978881 DOI: 10.1186/ar4324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, whereas arterial hypertension is a major modifiable CVD risk factor with still unclear prevalence in RA disease. We conducted a comprehensive study on hypertension characteristics evaluating for the first time out-of-office blood pressure (BP) in a typical contemporary RA cohort. METHODS Assessment of office and out-of-office BP (when office systolic/diastolic BP was >129/79) and vascular studies including evaluation of aortic stiffness, carotid hypertrophy/plaques and ankle-brachial index, were performed in 214 consecutive, consenting RA patients free of CVD (aged 58.4 ± 12.3 years, 82% women). As comparators regarding office hypertension measurements, data from 214 subjects (1:1 matched for age and gender with the RA patients) derived from a cohort designed to assess the prevalence of hypertension in the general population were used. RESULTS The prevalence of declared known hypertension in the RA population was 44%. Of the remaining RA patients, 2 in every 5 individuals had abnormal office BP (systolic/diastolic >139/89 mmHg), contributing to almost double the prevalence of declared/office hypertension compared to the general matched population (67% vs. 34%). Out-of-office (home or ambulatory 24 hour) BP measurements revealed that: (i) a 54% prevalence of actual hypertension in RA, in other words almost 10% of the patients were unaware of having hypertension and (ii) 29% of the RA patients with known hypertension were not well controlled. Actual hypertension was positively associated with age and body mass index, and inversely with the use of biologic drugs. Overall, almost 1 out of 5 presented the 'white coat' phenomenon. An intermediately compromised vascular phenotype was evident in this "white coat" subgroup (lying between patients with sustained normotension and sustained hypertension) in terms of aortic stiffness, carotid hypertrophy and ankle-brachial index, even after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSION Beyond any doubt on the basis of out-of-office evaluation, arterial hypertension in RA has a high prevalence, low awareness and poor control, as well as substantial and vascular damage-associated "white coat" phenomenon. Thus, correct diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension is of key importance in RA for CVD risk reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanase D Protogerou
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenis B Panagiotakos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Group of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Methods, Harokopio, University, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Zampeli
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis A Argyris
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Arida
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Giorgos D Konstantonis
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Pitsavos
- First Department of Cardiology, Ippokrateion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, and Arthritis Research Campaign Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Heart involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: multimodality imaging and the emerging role of cardiac magnetic resonance. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2013; 43:314-24. [PMID: 23786873 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibit a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD in RA can present in many guises, commonly detected at a subclinical level only. METHODS Modern imaging modalities that allow the noninvasive assessment of myocardial performance and are able to identify cardiac abnormalities in early asymptomatic stages may be useful tools in terms of screening, diagnostic evaluation, and risk stratification in RA. RESULTS The currently used imaging techniques are echocardiography, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Between them, echocardiography provides information about cardiac function, valves, and perfusion; SPECT provides information about myocardial perfusion and carries a high amount of radiation; and CMR-the most promising imaging modality-evaluates myocardial function, inflammation, microvascular dysfunction, valvular disease, perfusion, and presence of scar. Depending on availability, expertise, and clinical queries, "right technique should be applied for the right patient at the right time." CONCLUSIONS In this review, we present a short overview of CVD in RA focusing on the clinical implication of multimodality imaging and mainly on the evolving role of CMR in identifying high-risk patients who could benefit from prevention strategies and early specific treatment targeting the heart. Advantages and disadvantages of each imaging technique in the evaluation of RA are discussed.
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Sandoo A, Kitas GD. Current perspectives on the assessment of vascular function and morphology in rheumatoid arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.2217/ijr.12.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sandoo A, Protogerou AD, Hodson J, Smith JP, Zampeli E, Sfikakis PP, Kitas GD. The role of inflammation, the autonomic nervous system and classical cardiovascular disease risk factors on subendocardial viability ratio in patients with RA: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Arthritis Res Ther 2012; 14:R258. [PMID: 23190682 PMCID: PMC3674609 DOI: 10.1186/ar4103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence indicates that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have increased susceptibility to myocardial ischaemia that contributes to myocardial infarction. The subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) can be measured using pulse wave analysis and reflects myocardial oxygen supply and demand. The objective of the present study was to examine specific predictors of SEVR in RA patients, with a specific focus on inflammation and classical cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. METHODS Two patient cohorts were included in the study; a primary cohort consisting of 220 RA patients and a validation cohort of 127 RA patients. All patients underwent assessment of SEVR using pulse wave analysis. Thirty-one patients from the primary cohort who were about to start anti-inflammatory treatment were prospectively examined for SEVR at pretreatment baseline and 2 weeks, 3 months and 1 year following treatment. Systemic markers of disease activity and classical CVD risk factors were assessed in all patients. RESULTS The SEVR (mean ± standard deviation) for RA in the primary cohort was 148 ± 27 and in the validation cohort was 142 ± 25. Regression analyses revealed that all parameters of RA disease activity were associated with SEVR, along with gender, blood pressure and heart rate. These findings were the same in the validation cohort. Analysis of longitudinal data showed that C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.005), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (P < 0.001), mean blood pressure (P < 0.005) and augmentation index (P < 0.001) were significantly reduced after commencing anti-TNFα treatment. Increasing C-reactive protein was found to be associated with a reduction in SEVR (P = 0.02) and an increase in augmentation index (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION The present findings reveal that the SEVR is associated with markers of disease activity as well as highly prevalent classical CVD risk factors in RA, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Further prospective studies are required to determine whether the SEVR predicts future cardiac events in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamer Sandoo
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley DY1 2HQ, UK
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Athanassios D Protogerou
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - James Hodson
- Wolfson Computer Laboratory, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham B15 2WB, UK
| | - Jacqueline P Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley DY1 2HQ, UK
| | - Evi Zampeli
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley DY1 2HQ, UK
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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