Evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness of female fibromyalgia patients and determination of their relationship with disease activity, severity of fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression levels

Aim: Carotid artery intima-media thickness is thought strong predictor of cardiovascular diseases. To evaluate the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCIMT) in female patients with fibromiyalgia (FM) and determine its relationship with disease activity, severity of fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression levels.Material and Method: Thirty nine patients who had fibromyalgia syndrome according to 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria and 41 healthy controls were included. Pain level and disease activities were assessed with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnairre (FIQ) respectively. According to ACR 2016 classification criteria, Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Symptom Severity Score and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were performed. The LDL , HDL and Triglyceride levels were evaluated. Bilateral common carotid artery intima-media thicknesses (CCIMT) were performed by a blind radiologist to the groups of participants. Results: Age, weight and height were similar between groups (p>0.05). Triglyceride level was significant higher in patients with FM (p=0.001). HDL and LDL levels were similar between groups (p=0.297, p=0.061). Bilateral CCIMT was significantly higher in patients with FM (p<0.001). Bilateral CCIMT were found positively correlated with age in FM group (r=0.390, p=0.014, r=0.404, p=0.011 respectively). There were found no correlations between bilateral CCIMT, height, weight, triglyseride level, LDL level, FIQ, NRS, WPI, Symptom Severity Score, HADS scores. . Conclusion: In FM patients, bilateral CCIMTs were found increased compared to healthy controls. No associations were found between CCIMT, LDL, triglyceride levels, disease activity and pain level, anxiety and depression level in patients with FM.