A comparative cross-sectional study on evaluation of carotid artery intima-media thickness in patients of psoriasis vulgaris: an early predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) is used as a non-invasive marker in the assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis. In this study, by using a doppler ultra-sonogram, subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis was evaluated in need of special follow-up to reduce cardiovascular morbidity. It was aimed to evaluate the mean CIMT, determine the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis and to evaluate the association between the severity, duration of psoriasis and CIMT.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done on 25 patients with psoriasis and age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) matched 25 healthy controls over 2 months. CIMT was measured using a doppler ultra-sonogram.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Compared to the controls, patients had higher CIMT. 24% of patients had subclinical atherosclerosis compared to 12% of controls. Chronic smokers with psoriasis had a significant association with subclinical atherosclerosis. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unable to determine the severity and prognosis of subclinical atherosclerosis through follow up.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study provides an insight into the higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients, smokers in particular. CIMT can serve as an important noninvasive marker to assess cardiovascular risk.</p>