Metabolic, inflammatory and cardiac function assessment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

The heart disease is an Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) manifestation, generally resulted from chronic inflammatory and sclerosing process. This manifestation can affect the endocardium, myocardium and pericardium, as well as vessels of the base of the heart. The increase cardiovascular risk is well established in some inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the association of AS, inflammation and atherosclerosis is still controversial. Early detection of myocardium dysfunction and cardiovascular risk could minimize the impact of morbidity and mortality on patients with EA. Primary objectives: determine the prevalence of myocardial lesion in patients with EA through high sensitivity exams and compare with healthy controls. Secondary objectives: correlate myocardial lesions with metabolic and inflammatory alterations, time and activity of the disease, quality of life and use anti-TNF therapy. Patients and methods: 50 patients with EA will be assessed from ambulatory spondyloarthritis of EPM/UNIFESP through a cross-sectional study with a control group. Patients will be submitted to a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance to evaluate the myocardium function and the presence of diffuse collagen deposit, an Echocardiography to evaluate atrial and ventricular function and aorta lesion, and Carotid Doppler Echocardiogram to measure the functional and structural properties of major arteries. B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), coronary traditional risk factors, peripheral insulin resistance will be dosed, as well as the evaluation of the Metabolic Syndrome. (AU)