Aortic stiffness in hidradenitis suppurativa

Background: Although increased aortic stiffness has been observed in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, it has not been examined in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Objectives: This study aimed to compare aortic stiffness among HS patients and non-HS controls and to investigate the relation between aortic stiffness and disease severity in HS. Methods: Thirty-eight HS patients, and 76 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Patients who had diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, or other inflammatory conditions were excluded. Aortic stiffness was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Disease severity and activity were assessed using Hurley stage, and physician global assessment (PGA) score, respectively. Severe disease was defined as Hurley stage III, or PGA scores ≥3. Results: The patients with HS had increased aortic stiffness determined by decreased strain and distensibility compared to control group patients. A significant negative correlation was found between aortic stiffness indices and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, duration of the disease, Hurley stage, and PGA score. Multivariate analysis revealed the aortic strain and aortic distensibility were predictors of severe disease for Hurley stage III. Conclusion: Aortic stiffness is increased and associated with the severity of the disease in patients with HS.