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Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
Published on: December 7, 2013
Macrovascular disease and atherosclerosis in SSc
M E Hettema1, H Bootsma, C G M Kallenberg
1Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. m.e.hettema@int.umcg.nl
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|March 7, 2008
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is linked to accelerated atherosclerosis, particularly peripheral artery disease in digits. While coronary and cerebrovascular disease prevalence isn't increased, non-traditional risk factors are present, warranting further research into early atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder.
- Autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), exhibit premature and accelerated atherosclerosis.
- SSc involves vasculopathy, with common microvascular and reported macrovascular involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in SSc.
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of atherosclerosis in SSc patients.
- To determine if generalized premature atherosclerosis is present in SSc.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on atherosclerosis in SSc.
- Analysis of prevalence data for CAD, CeVD, and PAD in SSc.
- Examination of traditional and non-traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in SSc.
Main Results:
- Increased prevalence of distal PAD in the digits of SSc patients.
- No increased prevalence of CAD or CeVD in SSc, though carotid intima-media thickness studies show mixed results.
- Non-traditional risk factors like lipoprotein(a), oxidized LDL, inflammation, vasospasm, and endothelial dysfunction are prevalent in SSc.
Conclusions:
- SSc is associated with specific macrovascular complications, notably PAD in the digits.
- Generalized premature atherosclerosis is not definitively detected in SSc, despite the presence of risk factors.
- Further research is needed to fully understand subclinical and clinical early atherosclerosis in SSc.
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