rss
Ann Rheum Dis 1998;57:476-479 doi:10.1136/ard.57.8.476
  • Extended reports

Distribution of macrovascular disease in scleroderma

  1. L Stafforda,
  2. H Englertb,
  3. J Goverc,
  4. J Bertoucha
  1. aDepartment of Rheumatology, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, Australia, bDepartment of Rheumatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia, cDepartment of Vascular Surgery, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, Australia
  1. Dr L Stafford, St Anthonys, St Vincents Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
  • Accepted 9 June 1998

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Macrovascular disease in scleroderma has recently been described in two comparative studies. The aim of this study was to map its anatomical distribution.

METHODS In a retrospective cohort study of 20 scleroderma patients, the results of Doppler studies of arteries in the limbs, neck, and abdomen were compared with those from 20 cohort negative patients. The latter were matched for age, sex, and the presence/absence of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, and diabetes status. Arteries were compared quantitatively using a body surface area adjusted measurement of intraluminal diameter, and qualitatively using descriptive characteristics of the arterial walls. The latter were binomially categorised under three non-exclusive headings—thickening, stenosis, and calcification.

RESULTS The ulnar arteries in scleroderma patients were significantly narrower than those of the negative cohort. The arterial walls were also characterised by smooth thickening along their entire length. The characteristics of the other arteries, including those of the lower limbs, were not significantly different from those of the negative cohort.

CONCLUSION The ulnar artery seems to be specifically targeted in patients with scleroderma. Assessment of the ulnar artery should be considered in these patients by means of a modified Allen’s test or Doppler sonography especially in the presence of digital gangrene.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.