Coronary atherosclerosis and osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Sineglazova, A.V.
Vestnik Rentgenologii i Radiologii 1: 25-28
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4676 PMID: 23700922 Document Number: 667153
Forty female patients (mean age 48.6 +/- 1.4 years) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were examined to study an association between coronary atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. The coronary arteries were examined using a LightSpeed VCT 64-slice computed tomography scanner (GE, USA). Coronary calcium was measured by SmartScore software; calcium index was determined by the Agatston score. Bone mineral density was estimated in the left hip and lumbar spine, by applying a Lunar Prodigy-3 device (USA). Coronary atherosclerosis and calcification were accompanied by reduced bone mineral density in the hip and lumbar spine. The women with osteoporosis had increased coronary artery calcification.