Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease, have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with these conditions often have chronic inflammation, which can lead to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications. As a result, it is important for healthcare providers to assess the cardiovascular risk in these patients and take appropriate measures to prevent heart disease.
One tool that has emerged as a valuable tool in assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases is coronary computed tomography (CT). Coronary CT is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. By visualizing the coronary arteries, healthcare providers can assess the presence of atherosclerosis and other signs of cardiovascular disease.
Several studies have demonstrated the utility of coronary CT in assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. For example, a study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had evidence of coronary artery calcification on CT scans were at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Another study published in the journal Circulation Cardiovascular Imaging showed that coronary CT can help identify patients with psoriasis who are at increased risk of coronary artery disease.
In addition to identifying patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, coronary CT can also help healthcare providers monitor the progression of atherosclerosis and assess the effectiveness of treatments aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. For example, a study published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that treatment with anti-inflammatory medications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was associated with a reduction in coronary artery calcification as measured by CT scans.
Overall, coronary CT plays a valuable role in assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. By providing detailed images of the coronary arteries, this imaging technique can help healthcare providers identify patients at increased risk for heart disease, monitor the progression of atherosclerosis, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. As our understanding of the link between inflammation and cardiovascular disease continues to grow, coronary CT will likely become an increasingly important tool in managing the cardiovascular health of patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.
- Source: https://renal.platohealth.ai/use-of-coronarycomputed-tomography-for-cardiovascular-risk-assessment-in-immune-mediated-inflammatory-diseases/