Intima-Media Thickness of the Common Carotid Artery Is Not Significantly Higher in Crohn's Disease Patients Compared to Healthy Population

Background Patients with Crohn's disease might have accelerated atherosclerosis due to: chronic systemic inflammation, metabolic changes or prolonged steroid treatment. Aims The aim of this study was to assess the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in Crohn's disease, by measuring the intima-media thickness and peak systolic velocity of the common carotid artery. Methods Fifty Crohn's disease patients aged between 20 and 45 years were compared to 25 controls. Patients with a family history of cardiovascular diseases or a known risk for atherosclerosis were excluded. All participants underwent nutritional assessment. Carotid artery ultrasonography was performed and intima-media thickness and peak systolic velocity were measured, proximal to the common carotid bifurcation. Clinical data and laboratory parameters (hemoglobin, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, and plasma homocysteine) were determined. Results No significant differences between the groups were found for intima-media thickness or peak systolic velocity. Multiple regression analysis revealed a positive correlation of intima-media thickness with older age. Peak systolic velocity was negatively associated with age. Conclusions Crohn's disease patients do not have an increased risk for developing early atherosclerosis.