Arterial remodeling and stiffness in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Proteoglycans organize the extracellular matrix, act as signaling molecules, and are involved in cell migration and proliferation. They may play an important role in arterial geometric and elastic properties. The aim of the present study was to determine large artery phenotype in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a genetic disease characterized by proteoglycan accumulation and fragmented elastic fibers in connective tissues.

In 27 patients with PXE (25 females and 2 male) and 27 control subjects matched by age, sex, and blood pressure, we noninvasively determined the common carotid and radial artery diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT), and distensibility with high-definition echo-tracking systems and applanation tonometry. Patients with PXE had a significantly higher carotid IMT (611+/-106 versus 520+/-76 microm, P<0.001) independently of body surface area, age, and mean blood pressure. The increase in carotid IMT predominated in older patients with PXE at the time of examination. No significant difference in carotid elastic properties was observed between patients with PXE and control subjects. At the site of the radial artery, distensibility was significantly higher in patients with PXE than in control subjects (11.6+/-11.4 versus 5.9+/-3.4 kPa(-1) x 0.10(-3); P=0.02) and internal diameter was lower (1.66+/-0.51 versus 2.07+/-0.36 mm; P<0.01) without change in intima-media thickness and Young's elastic modulus.

Phenotypic changes of superficial arteries in patients with PXE were represented by a thickening of the carotid artery and a reduced stiffness of the radial artery and predominated in older female patients.