Potential role of high sensitivity cardiac troponin T in subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Abstract Aim of the work To determine the role of high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (HS cTnT) in subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in SLE patients at an apparent low risk for CVD according to traditional risk factors. Patients and methods The presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by non-contract coronary computerized tomography and calcium score was measured using Agatston score in 30 SLE patients asymptomatic for CVD and 30 age and sex matched apparently healthy controls. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was assessed. Serum HScTnT concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The mean age of the patients was 33 ± 5.7 years, disease duration of 33.7 ± 22 months and mean SLEDAI 8.1 ± 5.02. The mean HS cTnT level was 12.8 ± 11.3 ng/L (1–36 ng/L). Their Framingham score was 4.8 ± 3.1 (1–12). Framingham score was low in both SLE patients (range 1–12%) and controls (1–9%) (p = 0.12). 11 (36.7%) patients, but none of the controls, had coronary artery calcification (CAC). Serum HScTnT concentration was detectable (>3 ng/L) in 16 (53.3%) patients and 2 (6.7%) control (p  Conclusion Serum HScTnT level is high and associated with CAC in SLE patients who are at an apparently low risk for CVD according to the Framingham risk score. HS cTnT may be a useful biomarker for SLE-associated subclinical atherosclerosis.