Aortic distensibility is inversely related to fat distribution in patients with psoriasis

Authors

• AS Reddy
• JW Groenendyk
• A Goyal
• P Shukla
• AK Dey
• YA Elnabawi
• JP Rivers
• M Aksentijevich
• JA Rodante
• H Choi
• HA Teague
• MA Ahlman
• MP Playford
• JM Gelfand
• J Yao
• NN Mehta

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is known to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and metabolic dysfunction. Aortic distensibility (AD) is known to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. The association between abdominal adiposity, which may be a marker of dysfunctional adipose tissue, and AD is unknown. Methods: 91 consecutive patients with psoriasis underwent MRI and CT imaging. AD was determined from MRI using QFlow software (Medis) and calculated based on change in aortic lumen area and pulse pressure. Quantitative visceral and subcutaneous adiposity was determined via contouring of abdominal CT. High AD and high adiposity groups were determined by population median. Results: Patients were middle-aged (mean 50.5 years ± 13.4) and had low Framingham risk scores (median 3 IQR 1-6.5). Median distensibility was 0.0058 mm Hg-1 (0.0040-0.0081), median visceral adiposity was 16186 cm3 (9210-23150), and median subcutaneous adiposity was 17135 cm3 (12163-25473). Logistic regression of AD and visceral adiposity showed OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.0.04-0.80, p=0.03) despite adjustment for traditional risk factors, implying that patients with high visceral adiposity had less aortic distensibility. In contrast, logistic regression of AD and subcutaneous adiposity showed OR 1.95 (0.57-6.66, p =0.29). Conclusion: Visceral adiposity, but not subcutaneous adiposity, negatively correlated with baseline aortic distensibility. This quantitative data demonstrates the importance of considering fat distribution in assessment of cardiovascular risk and atherogenesis.

Scientific Focus Area: Immunology

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