Serum Endocan and Carotid Intima Media Thickness Evaluation in Vitiligo Patients

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin characterised by patches and circumscribed depigmented macules caused by epidermal melanocyte loss. A vasculoprotective molecule, endocan is an indicator of endothelial function. Objective: We aimed to evaluate carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and serum endocan level in vitiligo patients and to compare their levels with healthy controls. Methods: This case-control study involved sixty male vitiligo patients aged 18 years or older, in addition to twenty healthy controls of the same age. A comprehensive evaluation of each patient included general and clinical examination, the Vitiligo Extent Tensity Index (VETI) score that was used to quantify the severity of vitiligo, a laboratory analysis to determine the serum endocan level, and Doppler ultrasound imaging of the CIMT. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the patient and control groups with respect to the age, gender, and body mass index. Patients had a significantly higher mean CIMT than the control group. Conclusion: Serum endocan and CIMT levels were significantly higher in vitiligo patients than in the control group and were significantly correlated with the severity of the disease, according to the study.