Lupus & antiphospholipid syndrome
A new characteristic of SLE: subclinical vein involvement–an in-depth biochemical and imaging study
Authors' conclusion
Subclinical venous involvement appears to be a novel vascular feature of SLE, reflected by increased VWT and its association with thrombosis and biomarkers. Increased portal vein thickness may indicate vascular risk.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with SLE, categorized by antiphospholipid antibody (APA) status and clinical APS, compared with RA patients and healthy controls
- Participants
- 68 / 22 / 20
- Exposure
- SLE vs RA vs healthy controls
- SLEn = 68
- RAn = 22reference
- Healthy controlsn = 20reference
- Outcome
- Subclinical venous involvement: VWT (US at bilateral jugular, femoral, portal veins and femoral artery) and serum P-selectin, GDF15 and CH3 (ELISA)
Methodological detailsbiochemical and ultrasonographic assessment
- Biochemical and ultrasonographic assessment
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
VWT
- SLE vs RA and healthy controls: P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
- Serum P-selectin, GDF15 and CH3 elevated in SLE-APS
- GDF15 correlated positively with vein wall thickness (VWT)
- Increased portal VWT independently associated with thrombosis
- Biomarkers significantly associated with APS
- No significant associations between vascular parameters and disease activity score
Original publication
A new characteristic of SLE: subclinical vein involvement–an in-depth biochemical and imaging study. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 5 September 2025. doi:10.
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