Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine
Babol University of Medical Sciences
Sun, Oct 19, 2025
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Volume 16, Issue 4 (Autumn 2025)
Caspian J Intern Med 2025, 16(4): 747-754 |
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Haghighi-Morad M, Rezaei R, Kazempour M, Emam M M, Ranjbar Arani A, Taheri M et al . Carotid sonographic features in Takayasu’s arteritis: A case-control study. Caspian J Intern Med 2025; 16 (4) :747-754
URL: http://caspjim.com/article-1-4252-en.html
URL: http://caspjim.com/article-1-4252-en.html
Maryam Haghighi-Morad 
, Reza Rezaei , Muhanna Kazempour * , Mohammad Mehdi Emam , Arezoo Ranjbar Arani , Mahboobeh Taheri , Parisa Delkash
, Reza Rezaei , Muhanna Kazempour * , Mohammad Mehdi Emam , Arezoo Ranjbar Arani , Mahboobeh Taheri , Parisa Delkash
Department of Rheumatology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , muhannakazempour@gmail.com
Abstract: (51 Views)
Background: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare large-vessel vasculitis that affects the carotid arteries. Increased intima–media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerotic changes are detectable by ultrasonography (US). This study aimed to evaluate detailed carotid sonographic features in TAK and compare them with diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as to assess correlations between sonographic parameters and inflammatory markers.
Methods: In this case-control study, 15 patients with TAK fulfilling the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria (2012–2022) and 15 patients with DM were evaluated at Loghman Hakim Hospital. Cardiovascular risk factors, carotid ultrasonography, and serum inflammatory markers were assessed. Data were analyzed using univariate and multiple regression tests (SPSS V24).
Results: Atherosclerotic plaques were found in 46.7% of TAK and 53.3% of DM patients. IMT of common (CCA) and internal carotid arteries (ICA) was significantly higher in TAK (p<0.05). The macaroni sign (P=0.001), turbulent flow (P=0.006), and higher CCA resistivity index (RI) (P=0.047) were characteristic of TAK. ESR and CRP correlated with pre-bifurcation CCA mean IMT (p<0.05). Each unit increase in CRP was associated with a 0.02 mm increase in right CCA IMT (P=0.05).
Conclusion: Carotid ultrasonography is a valuable tool in evaluating TAK. Distinguishing features include the presence of the macaroni sign, turbulent flow, and higher IMT and RI. Increased IMT was associated with elevated CRP.
Methods: In this case-control study, 15 patients with TAK fulfilling the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria (2012–2022) and 15 patients with DM were evaluated at Loghman Hakim Hospital. Cardiovascular risk factors, carotid ultrasonography, and serum inflammatory markers were assessed. Data were analyzed using univariate and multiple regression tests (SPSS V24).
Results: Atherosclerotic plaques were found in 46.7% of TAK and 53.3% of DM patients. IMT of common (CCA) and internal carotid arteries (ICA) was significantly higher in TAK (p<0.05). The macaroni sign (P=0.001), turbulent flow (P=0.006), and higher CCA resistivity index (RI) (P=0.047) were characteristic of TAK. ESR and CRP correlated with pre-bifurcation CCA mean IMT (p<0.05). Each unit increase in CRP was associated with a 0.02 mm increase in right CCA IMT (P=0.05).
Conclusion: Carotid ultrasonography is a valuable tool in evaluating TAK. Distinguishing features include the presence of the macaroni sign, turbulent flow, and higher IMT and RI. Increased IMT was associated with elevated CRP.
Policy Brief: Original Article |
Subject:
Reumatology
Received: 2024/01/19 | Accepted: 2024/06/8 | Published: 2025/09/18
Received: 2024/01/19 | Accepted: 2024/06/8 | Published: 2025/09/18
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