Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Psoriasis

Since the early 20^th century, findings have demonstrated that psoriasis is frequently associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a surrogate marker of atherosclerotic vascular disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the CIMT in patients with psoriasis and investigate its correlation with the clinical features.

The present case-control study involved 70 patients with psoriasis who visited Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology from September 2018 to April 2019 and 35 healthy subjects. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were measured in both groups. Linear Doppler scanning was performed to evaluate the CIMT of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques.

The mean CIMT value in psoriasis patients was significantly higher than that of controls [0.59 mm (0.53 - 0.71) vs. 0.54 mm (0.52 - 0.62), respectively, p = 0.036]. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between the CIMT and age (p = 0.043) and CIMT and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the mean number of atherosclerotic plaques in psoriasis patients was significantly higher than that in controls [0.27 ± 0.68 vs. 0.03 ± 0.17, respectively, p = 0.035].

Elderly patients with severe psoriasis should be evaluated carefully regarding CIMT and atherosclerotic plaques, as these signs are representative of increased cardiovascular risk.