Aterosclerosis subclínica en la artritis reumatoide. Técnicas no invasivas de detección

Rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis share of a similar subjacent inflammatory mechanisms. It is suggested that an accelerated atherosclerosis is present in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This process could explain the elevated incidence of cardiovascular events that bring to high morbidity and mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, above all, seropositive patients with other additional factors of severe prognosis. These facts are independent of other cardiovascular risk factors, however, it is convenient to study as soon as possible the arteries of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Non invasive techniques, as ultrasonographic examination, are reviewed. In addition, the studies of elasticity, compliance and stiffness of arteries by pulse wave analysis, the endothelial dysfunction and the thickness of the arterial intimate-media of the common carotid artery of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are analysed. This new tools are excellent to prevent and cure this new extraarticular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis which remained open.