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

## TL;DR

This study shows that many young SLE patients have early signs of heart disease and cognitive issues, linked to disease severity and treatment factors.

## Contribution

The study identifies a high prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis and cognitive dysfunction in SLE patients and their shared risk factors.

## Key findings

- 36% of SLE patients showed signs of subclinical atherosclerosis.
- 42% of participants had cognitive impairment based on MoCA scores.
- Both conditions were associated with longer disease duration and corticosteroid use.

## Abstract

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.