系统性硬化病患者甲襞毛细血管的特点及其与其他结缔组织病的比较

目的 观察系统性硬化病( SSc)患者甲襞微循环的特点及其与其他结缔组织病(CTD)患者甲襞毛细血管镜下表现的差异.方法 选取40例SSc患者和37例其他CTD的患者,所有患者均伴有雷诺现象,行甲襞毛细血管镜检查,比较SSc患者甲襞微循环各项指标与其他CTD患者之间的差异,并与疾病的临床和实验室参数进行相关分析,采用方差分析和t检验x2检验.结果 SSc患者甲襞微循环的主要特点是管袢数目减少,管袢扩张,畸形管袢增多,出现不同程度的皮下出血以及毛细血管新生等;SSc患者毛细血管镜的某些指标较其他CTD患者更严重,更具有特异性.伴有肺部或食管累及的SSc患者甲襞毛细血管镜总积分(肺部累及:13±5,食管累及:14±7)明显高于无上述器官累及者(无肺部累及:7±5,无食管累及:6±5,P＜0.01);抗Scl-70抗体阳性的SSc患者甲襞毛细血管镜总积分明显高于抗体阴性组(14±9,6±5,P＜0.05).结论 SSc患者甲襞微循环表现具有特异性,甲襞微循环异常程度与临床免疫学指标有一定关系,提示毛细血管镜检查是评价SSc微血管病变的重要手段,可为鉴别SSc和其他CTD的提供参考意见,并可望作为评价疾病严重性的客观指标.     

Progressive systemic sclerosis in Egyptian patients: Clinical characteristics and nail fold capillaroscopy

Aim of the work

To present the clinical and laboratory disease characteristics in Egyptian patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc) and their nail fold capillaroscopy findings.

肝脏脂肪含量与颈动脉内膜中层厚度的相关性

目的探讨超声测定的肝脏脂肪含量与颈动脉内膜中层厚度（C-IMT）的关系。方法选取2009年12月至2010年6月上海肥胖研究（SHOS）中单个社区人群1217人,筛选具备完整临床资料以及超声测定的肝脏衰减系数与颈动脉内膜中层厚度的人群,以肝脏衰减系数半定量判定肝脏脂肪含量。按肝脏衰减系数三分位点分组比较研究对象的临床特点,分析C-IMT与各临床参数的相关性,并采用多元逐步回归分析影响C-IMT的危险因素。结果（1）超声定性诊断无颈动脉斑块且无非酒精性脂肪性肝病（NAFLD）者505人,其中男225人,女280人,年龄34～66岁,平均（50±6）岁。与肝脏衰减系数下三位组相比,上三位组的年龄（t=-2．41,P〈0．05）、舒张压（DBP）显著升高（Z=-1．27,P〈0．05）,腰围（w）、体质指数（BMI）显著降低（t=3．95、6．17,均P〈0．05）。（2）C-IMT水平随着肝脏衰减系数的升高而显著增加（F=13．83,P〈0．05）,肝脏衰减系数上三分位组较下三位点组C-IMT增厚的频率显著升高（35．3％比23．2％,）（x2=6．19,P〈0．05）。（3）多元逐步回归分析显示除年龄、w、收缩压（SBP）、空腹血糖（FPG）、吸烟状态外,肝脏衰减系数是C-IMT的独立影响因素（β=0．03,ρ〈0．05）。结论超声定性不能识别的NAFLD人群中肝脏脂肪含量与C-IMT密切相关,肝脏衰减系数对筛选代谢风险无显著升高人群的早期亚临床动脉粥样硬化有一定临床价值。     

The relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and carotid intima media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AimsThe aim of the present study was to investigate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and to evaluate the relationship between RNFL thickness and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT).MethodsThis study included 171 patients with T2D (53.2 ± 8.8 years) and age matched 61 healthy controls (51.9 ± 8.1 years). We evaluated anthropometric and metabolic parameters as well as RNFL and CIMT measurements in patients with T2D and controls. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the continuous variables and the Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Spearmanʼs rank correlation test was used for calculation of associations between variables.ResultsThe average RNFL thickness was 84.82 ± 11.22 μm in patients with T2D and 92.35 ± 8.45 μm in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Mean CIMT values were higher in patients with T2D (0.80 ± 0.1 mm) than the healthy subjects (0.72 ± 0.1 mm) (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between age and all quadrants of RNFL. There was a negative correlation between average RNFL thickness and HbA1c (r = −0.176), uric acid (r = −0.145), CIMT (r = −0.190) and presence of carotid plaque (r = −0.193). The superior RNFL thickness was negatively associated with HbA1c (r = −0.175), CIMT (r = −0.207) and carotid plaque (r = −0.176). There was also an inverse correlation between the inferior RNFL thickness and HbA1c (r = −0.187) and carotid plaque (r = −0.157).ConclusionThinning of RNFL might be associated with atherosclerosis in patients with T2D.     

Increased mean carotid intima media thickness in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with non-blood pressure component metabolic syndrome: A preliminary report

AIMS:

Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus have greater carotid intima media thickness and they are at risk for generalized atherosclerosis. This study aimed to compare the thickness of carotid artery intima media in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without nonblood pressure component metabolic syndrome.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

This was a comparative observational study conducted in the Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology in the College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyia University in cooperation with Baghdad Teaching Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Forty-six diabetic patients of both sexes with systolic blood pressure < 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure < 85 mm Hg were subjected to high resolution B-mode ultrasonography of the common and internal carotid arteries. Patients were grouped into those without metabolic syndrome (Group I) and with nonblood pressure component metabolic syndrome (Group II).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

The two-tailed unpaired Student''s t-test was used in this study.

RESULTS:

Significantly high mean thickness was observed in the common carotid intima media (0.824 ± 0.155 mm) but not in the internal carotid arteries in group II patients compared to group I patients (0.708 ± 0.113 mm). Group II also had a significant number of patients with increased lesion intima media thickness (≥ 1.1 mm).

Conclusion:

The greater carotid intima media thickness observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is related to the metabolic syndrome even in the absence of the blood pressure component.     

The association between carotid intima media thickness and individual dietary components and patterns

AimsTo review: 1) the correlation between individual dietary components and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT); 2) the relationship between dietary patterns and cIMT; 3) the effect of dietary interventions on cIMT progression.Data synthesisAn electronic search for epidemiological and intervention trials investigating the association between dietary components or patterns of intake and cIMT was performed in PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Epidemiological data shows that a higher intake of fruit, wholegrains and soluble fibre and lower consumption of saturated fat in favour of polyunsaturated fat is associated with lower cIMT. In people at high risk of cardiovascular disease >93 g/day of fruit is associated with lower cIMT. Lower cIMT has also been observed when >0.79 serves/day of wholegrains and >25 g/day of fibre, predominately in the soluble form is consumed. Saturated fat is positively associated with cIMT, for every 10 g/day increase in saturated fat cIMT is 0.03 mm greater. Olive oil is inversely associated with cIMT, with a benefit seen when >34 g/day is consumed. While there are many epidemiological studies exploring the association between dietary intake and cIMT there are few intervention studies. Intervention studies show that a Mediterranean diet may reduce cIMT progression, especially in those with a higher cIMT.ConclusionsA Mediterranean style dietary pattern, which is high in fruits, wholegrains, fibre and olive oil and low in saturated fat, may reduce carotid atherosclerosis development and progression. However further research from randomised controlled trials is required to understand the association between diet and cIMT and the underlying mechanisms.     

Impact of weight loss on epicardial fat and carotid intima media thickness after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A prospective study

Background and aims

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in obese patients. We aimed to investigate the influence of significant weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) which are the independent predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Mean HbA1c over 18 years predicts carotid intima media thickness in women with type 1 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis Intima media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) is a validated surrogate marker of early atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to assess the association between IMT in CCA and long-term mean HbA₁c in type 1 diabetes. We also elucidated the association between carotid IMT and preclinical coronary atherosclerosis.Methods In 39 individuals with type 1 diabetes, HbA₁c was measured prospectively over 18 years. The IMT examinations were performed with high-resolution ultrasound. The association between carotid IMT and preclinical coronary atherosclerosis (assessed by intravascular ultrasound [IVUS]) was tested in 29 of the patients.Results Mean HbA₁c over 18 years was 8.2% (range: 6.6–11.3%). Mean age at follow-up after 18 years was 43 years and mean duration of diabetes was 30 years. IMT was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in an age- and sex-matched reference population. The IMT values were at the same level as for controls who were 20 years older. In women, HbA₁c was significantly associated with mean average CCA IMT (r²=0.77, p<0.0001 when adjusted for age), whereas there was no significant association for men. Among women, a significant association was also found between carotid IMT and the percentage of coronary vessel area stenosis (r=0.65, p=0.03).Conclusions/interpretation The present findings suggest an important role of long-term hyperglycaemia in the development of atherosclerosis, especially in women with type 1 diabetes.Type 1 diabetes patients have earlier development of, and more advanced, atherosclerosis compared with an age- and sex-matched reference population. In women, carotid IMT reflects preclinical coronary atherosclerosis.     

高血压患者血清瘦素、抵抗素水平与颈动脉内膜-中层厚度的关系

目的:探讨原发性高血压患者血清瘦素、抵抗素水平的变化及与颈动脉粥样硬化的相关关系.方法:入选80例原发性高血压患者(病例组),另选32例健康对照者.采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清瘦素、抵抗素水平;采用彩色超声诊断仪测定颈动脉内膜-中层厚度(IMT).结果:病例组的瘦素(t=-2.530,P=0.013)和抵抗素水平(t=-2.077,P=0.041)均高于对照组.病例组的颈动脉IMT(t=-3.115,P=0.003)和颈动脉最大IMT(t=-3.271,P=0.002)均大于对照组.Pearson相关分析示,高血压患者血清瘦素与IMT(r=0.311,P=0.012)和最大IMT(r=0.308,P=0.013)呈显著正相关;血清抵抗素与IMT(r=0.335,P=0.006)和最大IMT(r=0.284,P=0.022)呈显著正相关.结论:原发性高血压患者的血清瘦素、抵抗素水平显著升高,且它们和颈动脉IMT存在相关性.     

Relationship between fasting plasma glucose, atherosclerosis risk factors and carotid intima media thickness in non-diabetic individuals

Summary We analysed the relationship between fasting plasma glucose, carotid intima media thickness and some atherosclerosis risk factors in 307 non-diabetic individuals. Male (n = 120) and female subjects (n = 187) with a familial history of Type II diabetes mellitus and/or obesity and hyperlipoproteinaemia were examined in the age group 40–70 years. Plasma triglycerides, total and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, plasminogen activator inhibitor were measured by conventional methods. Specific insulin, proinsulin and C-peptide were measured by specific enzyme immunoassay. Intima media thickness increased in quintiles for fasting plasma glucose in men, but not in women. There was a rise of triglycerides, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, plasminogen activator inhibitor, true insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide and a decrease of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol in quintiles for fasting plasma glucose. Fasting plasma glucose was found to be significantly positively correlated to intima media thickness, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, haemoglobin A_{1 c}, insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, plasminogen activator inhibitor and significantly negatively correlated to high density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the correlation of fasting plasma glucose to intima media thickness was no longer significant after adjustment for age and sex. After adjustment for age and sex intima media thickness was significantly correlated to body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, albuminuria and inversely correlated to high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. In multivariate analysis age, male sex, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol were significant determinants of intima media thickness. Our data suggest that a weak association exists between fasting plasma glucose and intima media thickness, which may be mediated by a clustering of risk factors in the upper range of non-diabetic fasting plasma glucose level with a central role for dyslipidaemia. [Diabetologia (1998) 41: 706–712] Received: 21 August 1997 and in final revised form: 3 February 1998     

Variation in the ADIPOQ gene promoter is associated with carotid intima media thickness independent of plasma adiponectin levels in healthy subjects.

AIMS: The ADIPOQ gene encodes the protein adiponectin, and decreased circulating adiponectin levels have been observed in cardiovascular disease. We investigated the role of the ADIPOQ gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) A-11426G, G-11391A, C-11377G, and T45G with plasma adiponectin levels and common carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT) in a cohort of healthy subjects participating in the RISC (Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular disease) study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Anthropometric and metabolic assessment and B-mode ultrasound of the carotid IMT were measured in 1306 subjects [589 men; 717 women, mean +/- SD age 43.8 +/- 8.3 years, BMI 25.5 +/- 4.0 kg/m(2)] recruited from 19 centres in 14 European countries. Carriers of the -11426G allele and homozygous carriers of the -11391G allele had significantly lower plasma adiponectin levels. These relationships remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, recruitment centre, and BMI. Carriers of SNP -11377G allele had significantly greater IMT values compared with C allele homozygotes [geometric mean (interquartile range) 601 (543-665) vs. 590 (537-647) mum, P = 0.021]. This relationship became stronger after correcting for key covariates, including plasma adiponectin levels (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Variation within the ADIPOQ gene promoter is directly associated with carotid IMT in healthy subjects and is independent of circulating adiponectin levels.     

Evaluation of intima media thickness of the common and internal carotid arteries with inflammatory markers in familial Mediterranean fever as possible predictors for atherosclerosis

The aim of the present study was to determine whether intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common (CCA) and internal carotid arteries (ICA) was increased due to chronic inflammation occurring in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients compared to healthy controls. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA), lipid profile and homocysteine levels were examined in 70 FMF patients [median age 14 years (range 4–24)] in an attack free period and in 50 healthy controls [median age 14 years (range 4–18)]. All the patients were homozygous or compound heterozygous for MEFV mutations. IMT of both CCA and ICA was evaluated with a high resolution B-mode ultrasonography. ESR, CRP, fibrinogen and SAA levels were significantly higher in FMF patients as compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). Intima media thickness of the common carotid artery was found to be significantly higher in FMF patients when compared to those in healthy controls [0.37 mm (0.26–0.61) vs. 0.28 mm (0.21–0.35), P < 0.001]. The median ICA-IMT was significantly increased in the patients when compared to those in the controls [0.25 mm (0.18–0.44) vs. 0.22 mm (0.10–0.26), P < 0.001]. A positive correlation between CCA-IMT and SAA levels (r = 0.24, P = 0.04) was found while ICA-IMT positively correlated with ESR (r = 0.31, P = 0.008) and fibrinogen levels (r = 0.30, P = 0.012). Intima media thickness, an early predictor of atherosclerosis, may be associated with subclinical inflammation in children with FMF. Further studies will enlighten whether these patients will be predisposed more to coronary artery disease. Yelda Bilginer and Fatih Ozaltin contributed equally to this work.     

Tissue Doppler assessment of right ventricular function in female patients with limited form of systemic sclerosis

BackgroundCardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is often clinically occult. The aim of this study was the evaluation of early subclinical right ventricular (RV) involvement in patients with limited form of systemic sclerosis by tissue Doppler.MethodsTwenty female patients with limited cutaneous SSc and 20 control female subjects, matched for age were studied with transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) to assess RV function. Patients with pulmonary hypertension, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic or rheumatic heart disease were excluded.ResultsPatients with limited form SSc had significant lower tricuspid annulus peak systolic velocities (S_T) (9.95 ± 1.78 vs. 11.05 ± 1.53 cm/s, p < 0.044), early (E_T) (9.65 ± 1.30 vs. 12.50 ± 1.23 cm/s, p < 0.0001), late (A_T) diastolic velocity (12.60 ± 2.01 vs. 18.15 ± 1.81 cm/s, p < 0.0001), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (23.05 ± 3.50 vs. 26.50 ± 1.90, p < 0.001) compared to controls. Myocardial performance index (MPI) of the RV was higher in SSc patients compared to controls (0.41 ± 0.05 vs. 0.30 ± 0.02, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between disease duration and S_T and RV MPI (r = ?0.883, p < 0.0001; r = 0.686, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsPatients with limited form of SSc present with pulsed-tissue Doppler imaging indices indicative of right ventricle dysfunction, which had significant correlations with disease duration. Tissue Doppler is a valuable non-invasive tool for detecting RV myocardial involvement in patients with limited SSc.     

外周动脉疾病患者脂联素、氧化型低密度脂蛋白与IMT的相关性

目的探讨脂联素在外周动脉疾病患者中与动脉硬化的关系及机制。方法酶联免疫吸附测定（ELISA）法分别测定77例外周动脉疾病患者（包括颈动脉狭窄33例、肾动脉狭窄29例及腹主动脉瘤15例）、33例对照组血浆脂联素及氧化型低密度脂蛋白浓度,超声测定颈动脉内膜中层厚度（intima media thickness,IMT）,分析三个指标之间的相关性。结果平方根转换后外周动脉疾病患者血浆脂联素浓度较对照组显著降低[（2．39±0．07）Sqrtmg／L vs．（3．58±0．14）Sqrt mg／L,P〈0．001],氧化型低密度脂蛋白浓度显著高于对照组[（3．20±0．17）Sqrμxg／Lvs.（1．55±0．24）Sqrtμg／L,P〈0．001）。血浆脂联素与氧化型低密度脂蛋白浓度的平方根呈负相关（r=0．526,P〈0．001）,与颈动脉IMT呈负相关（r=-0．384,P〈0．001）;氧化型低密度脂蛋白浓度的平方根与颈动脉IMT呈正相关（r=0．336,P〈0．001）。偏相关分析校正年龄、吸烟年支数、血糖、血脂指标后,血浆脂联素与氧化型低密度脂蛋白浓度的平方根仍呈负相关（r=-0．235,P〈0．05）,与颈动脉IMT呈负相关（r=0．175,P〈0．05）;血浆氧化型低密度脂蛋白浓度的平方根与颈动脉IMT呈正相关（r=0．157,P〈0．05）。结论血浆脂联素浓度与外周动脉疾病的发生、发展以及机体的氧化应激相关。     

Investigation of the relationship between asthma and subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid/femoral intima media and epicardial fat thickness measurement

Objective: Since asthma and atherosclerosis may share similar pathophysiological mechanism, this study is planned to investigate whether epicardial fat thickness (EFT), carotid and femoral intima media thicknesses, which are markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, are increased in patients with asthma. Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. A total of 154 participants (83 patients with asthma and 71 healthy volunteers) were enrolled into the study. Epicardial fat, carotid, and femoral intima media thicknesses were measured and recorded in both groups. The statistical difference between the two groups was examined. Results: Both carotid and femoral intima media thicknesses were significantly higher in patients with asthma compared to control group (5.52 ± 0.4 mm vs. 5.36 ± 0.4 mm; p = 0.038 and 5.64 ± 0.4 mm vs. 5.46 ± 0.5 mm; p = 0.036, respectively). However, there was not a significant difference in EFT between the groups [5.9 mm (5.3–6.6; IQR = 1.3) vs. 5.6 mm (4.7–6.5; IQR = 1.8); p = 0.1]. On comparison of control group and asthma subgroups (mild, moderate, and severe), there was a statistically significant difference among these four groups in terms of carotid and femoral intima media thicknesses (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Subgroup analyses showed that this difference was mainly due to patients with severe asthma. Conclusions: Carotid and femoral intima media thicknesses in asthmatic patients were found to be increased compared to the normal population. As a result, the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in asthmatic patients may be high.     

Dietary quality and carotid intima media thickness in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: Follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

Background and aims

The relationship between dietary intake and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes has not been well studied. We investigated the association between dietary intake and common carotid artery intima media thickness (CCA IMT) and PWV in a cohort with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Effect of treatment with iloprost with or without bosentan on nailfold videocapillaroscopic alterations in patients with systemic sclerosis

Introduction: Vascular involvement plays a decisive role in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis; it is responsible for some important clinical manifestations of the disease such as Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ulcers (DU). Bosentan, a dual receptor endothelin antagonist, and iloprost, often in combination therapy, seems to be able to interfere with the scleroderma microangiopathy.

Objectives: Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of bosentan and iloprost on scleroderma microangiopathy, analyzed by means of capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index (CSURI), in SSc patients treated for the prevention of DU.

Methods: Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) was performed in 95 SSc patients, treated with iloprost alone (group 1) or combination therapy with iloprost and bosentan (group 2), at baseline and after one year. In all patients CSURI was calculated according to the formula “diameter?×?number of megacapillaries/(total number of capillaries)²”: in addition, total number of capillaries, giant capillaries, micro-hemorrhages, disorganization of the vascular array, and ramified capillaries were evaluated by means of a semiquantitative score.

Results: After 12 months, we observed a reduction of the number of giant capillaries in both groups, while an increase of ramified capillaries was recorded only in group 2. CSURI improved slightly in group 2 without statistical significance; on the contrary, in group 1 a significant worsening was recorded (p?≤?0.001).

Conclusions: Our study confirms the effectiveness of bosentan, in combination with iloprost, in SSc microangiopathy observed to NVC. Moreover, the observed findings further support the role of CSURI in the evaluation and monitoring of SSc microangiopathy.     

2型糖尿病患者血清缺血修饰白蛋白与颈动脉内膜中层厚度的关系

目的探讨2型糖尿病患者血清缺血修饰白蛋白（IMA）与颈动脉内膜中层厚度（CIMT）的关系。方法依据CIMT将130例2型糖尿病患者分为非颈动脉粥样硬化（NCAS）组和颈动脉粥样硬化（CAS）组。比较2组缺血修饰白蛋白及代谢参数方面的差异,分析2型糖尿病患者CAS的危险因素。结果 CAS组糖尿病病程、HbA1c、IMA显著高于NCAS组,且IMA与HbA1c呈正相关;Logistic回归分析显示糖尿病病程、HbA1c、IMA为CAS的独立危险因素。结论 IMA可能用于预测2型糖尿病CAS发生和发展。     

Thickened carotid intima media thickness and carotid atherosclerosis among lupus nephritis patients: the role of traditional and lupus-specific factors

Aim: The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency of thickened carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and atherosclerosis among lupus nephritis (LN) patients and to study their associated risk factors. Method: In this cross‐sectional study, carotid ultrasonography was performed on consecutive LN patients to determine CIMT and presence of carotid plaques. CIMT was considered to be abnormally thickened if it was more than the 75th percentile matched for age and sex from the ‘Carotid Atherosclerosis Progression Study’. The association between thickened CIMT with traditional cardiovascular risk factors and lupus characteristics were examined. A total of 83 patients with the mean age of 33.6 ± 10 years were recruited. Results: Fourteen patients (16.9%) had thickened CIMT and three (3.6%) had carotid plaques. On univariate analysis, traditional risk factors significantly associated with thickened CIMT (P < 0.05) were patient’s current age, diabetes mellitus and waist circumference. Meanwhile, a lower serum C4 levels and higher serum C‐reactive protein levels were the lupus‐specific factors associated with thickened CIMT (P < 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of thickened CIMT were age of diagnosis, lower serum C4 levels and waist circumference (P < 0.05). Conclusion: More lupus specific factors were independently associated with thickened CIMT, suggesting that a multi‐targeted approach of treatment addressing both the lupus and traditional cardiovascular risks are very important. Larger prospective studies of these special risk factors are indicated.