Objectives Nowadays, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. However,the subject of risk factor that rheumatoid arthritis for cerebrovascular diseases is controversial. In our study, We examined the effects of rheumatoid arthritis on the cerebral blood flow velocity with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD).

Methods Patients without risk of atherosclerosis aged 20-40 admitted to the our internal medicine-rheumatology department and control group were included the study. Values of bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak-systolic,end-diastolic and mean blood flow velocity, Gosling pulsatility index values and Pourcelot resistance index value were recorded with TCD by a neurosonologist blinded to study groups. The obtained values were compared with each other

Results There were 12 people in each group. There were 10 women and 2 men in rheumatoid arthritis group. Therefore,the control group was selected similar. The mean age was 37.8±4.3 in the control group and 38.6±5.4 in the RA group. TCD values; RA group compared with the control group in the peak-systolic and end-diastolic and mean blood flow velocity was significantly higher.

Conclusions Inflammation has an important role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of atherosclerosis. In these patients, particularly IL-6, TNF-alpha and CRP as inflammatory markers are found in high levels. In addition,high blood pressure,high cholesterol and glucose levels such as comorbid conditions are causes of atherosclerosis in patients with RA. In our study, patients without Atherosclerotic risk factors included so number of patients was taken small. Significantly increased cerebral blood flow velocity can be caused by atherosclerosis mechanism in patients with RA. In conclusion; clinical inflammation is believed to be caused by increase of cerebral blood flow in RA patients.

Disclosure of Interest None declared