Determinants of subclinical cardiovascular remodelling measured by carotid intima-media thickness in early rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal analysis
Authors' conclusion
In early RA, CIMT thickened within six months despite marked improvement in disease activity scores, with residual inflammatory burden (CRP) continuing to independently contribute to vascular remodelling.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and matched controls
- Participants
- 34 vs 33
- Exposure
- Early RA vs matched controls; determinants of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) change
- Early RAn = 34
- Controlsn = 33reference
- Outcome
- Change in CIMT (B-mode US, mean of right and left common carotid arteries) and its determinants
- Follow-up
- 6 months
Methodological detailslongitudinal, matched controls, generalised estimating equations
- Longitudinal
- Matched controls
- Generalised estimating equations
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Mean CIMT change over 6 months in early RA
Mean CIMT, baseline to 6 months (mm)
0.70 ± 0.13 to 0.74 ± 0.12 mm
Generalised estimating equations (GEE) estimate of CIMT change
+0.043 mm
95% CI 0.017–0.068p=0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Determinants of CIMT (multivariable GEE models)
- Framingham risk score, β per 1% risk (p≤0.008)
- 0.005-0.006 mm
- Fat mass percentage, β per 1% (p≤0.044)
- 0.003-0.004 mm
- CRP significant in Model 1
- P = 0.046
- EULAR response not significant in Model 2
- P = 0.976
- Independently associated with greater CIMT
Original publication
Determinants of subclinical cardiovascular remodelling measured by carotid intima-media thickness in early rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal analysis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Published 12 January 2026. doi:10.
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