Assessment of cardiovascular function by flow mediated dilatation and carotid intima media thickness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vascular endotelial function and the cardiovascular risk by measurement of flow mediated dilatation, carotid intima media thickness (İMT) and echocardiographic parametres in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and healthy controls. Methods: Fifty five AS patients and 36 healthy controls were included in this study. Serum glucose levels, acute phase proteins and lipids were studied. Electrocardiography and echocardiography was performed for AS patiens and healthy controls. Brachial artery flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid IMT assessment were performed ultrasonographically. Results: The average age was 43±12,0 years (average = 43, min. = 18, max. = 80). Age and sex distribution did not show a statistically significant difference between the AS and control groups. The mean disease duration of patients was 7 (range 1-28) years. Acute phase proteins (sedimentasyon rate and C-Reaktif Protein) were significantly higher in the patients group. Corrected QT duration (cQT) were significantly higher in the patients group (369,7±29,9 msn vs 386,2±27,7 msn; p=0,012). End diastolic and end sistolic echocardiography mesurements were significantly higher in the patients group. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher in the patients group. Mitral valve dysfunction was % 5,7 in healthy controls and % 29 in AS patients(p=0,006). Endothelium dependent FMD was significantly lower in the AS patients(3,47±0,49 vs 3,99±0,73 mm; p=0,0001). Averaged IMT measurements was lower in control groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrates impairment of endothelial function and early atherosklerosis development in AS. Key Words: Spondylitis, Ankylosing, Atherosclerosis, Ultrasonography, Endothelial Function, Brachial artery flow mediated dilatation, Carotid intima media thickness