Cardiovascular and neurovascular complications in systemic lupus Erythematosus: A cross-sectional study of subclinical atherosclerosis and cognitive dysfunction

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition that has increase appreciated cardiovascular and neurovascular complications. This report presents a cross-sectional study of 100 SLE patients (18-55 years) who were evaluated for the prevalence and relationship of subclinical atherosclerosis and cognitive dysfunction. Subclinical atherosclerosis was measured by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and cognition was measured by scoring the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The study found that 36% of participants had subclinical atherosclerosis, while 42% had cognitive impairment. Both subclinical atherosclerosis and cognitive dysfunction were associated with longer disease duration, corticosteroid exposure, higher SLEDAI scores and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Data shows the high prevalence of concomitant vascular and cognitive dysfunction in SLE patients and the need for early screening for both outcomes in a non-invasive manner.