Increased aortic stiffness in ulcerative colitis

Introduction Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon. Currently, there is an increased scientific interest in the evaluation of early functional vascular alterations, especially in inflammatory disorders. The present study was aimed to examine whether UC is associated with abnormalities in aortic elasticity. Methods The study was comprised of 11 UC patients (mean age 39 ± 12 years, 7 males), their results were compared to 22 age- and gender-matched controls. All subjects underwent a complete two-dimensional transthoracic Doppler echocardiography including evaluation of aortic elastic properties. The oscillometry-based Arteriograph device was used in all cases to measure aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix). Results Despite similar blood pressure values, aortic stiffness index, PWV and Aix were significantly increased, while pulsatile change in aortic diameter, aortic strain and aortic distensibility were significantly decreased in UC patients compared to controls. Conclusion Abnormal echocardiographic aortic elastic properties and Arteriograph-derived pulse-wave velocity could be demonstrated in patients with ulcerative colitis.