Increased Pulse Wave Velocity and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized with chronic, progressive inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The association of UC with cardiovascular disease is still a matter of debate.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) as surrogates of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness are increased in patients with UC.

Methods

Our study was cross-sectional and observational in design. Baseline characteristics were recorded during interview with the patient. Patients with previous cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic renal failure, and infectious and inflammatory disorders other than UC were excluded. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with UC and 30 control participants underwent cf-PWV assessment and CIMT measurement. The diagnosis of UC was based on clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and histological findings.

Results

CIMT, cf-PWV, and C reactive protein were significantly higher in patients with UC. Although linear regression analyses identified UC as an independent predictor of CIMT (β ± SE, 0.39 ± 0.08; p < 0.001), only age independently predicted cf-PWV (β ± SE, 0.08 ± 0.03; p = 0.003) in our study population. Moreover, we revealed higher CIMT and PWV values in patients with higher disease activity and more extensive involvement, compared to patients with mild activity and limited disease.

Conclusion

We revealed increased pulse wave velocity and CIMT in patients with UC. UC appears to be associated with arterial stiffness and atherosclerotic burden, but the underlying mechanisms require further studies to be identified.