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Abstract
In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the risk of development of cardiovascular disease
is dramatically increased. Inflammatory and immune-mediated mechanisms, favouring
early alterations of the arterial wall are strongly involved in promoting the development
of atherosclerosis (ATS) in young SLE patients. In SLE, sonographic measurements of
carotid intima-media thickness are able to recognize clinical, but not always subclinical,
ATS. On the contrary, assessment of endothelial function and vascular stiffness through
sonography-based techniques may be useful to reveal or exclude subclinical ATS. More
efforts should be done to find a comprehensive approach to the study of subclinical
ATS in SLE patients, since an early diagnosis may have a significant value in preventing
the development of major vascular diseases.
2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.