Subclinical atherosclerosis in fibromyalgia syndrome

Introduction: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease of unknown pathophysiology in which inflammatory markers are not increased. The risk of cardiovascular disease is known to be raised in FMS. Determination of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is essential for the early detection of cardiovascular disease risk. In this study, we aimed to investigate how FMS affects CIMT and its relationship with disease duration.Methods: This study was planned prospectively and included 20 female FMS patients and 20 healthy female controls. Detailed medical histories were obtained. Persons with a known chronic disease (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid function disorder, rheumatic disease, etc.), known atherosclerotic condition, body mass index >30 and smokers were excluded. Laboratory values of FMS patients and the control group in the last 3 months were recorded. The patients' and control groups' right and left common carotid arteries were imaged with ultrasonography.Results: There was no significant difference in laboratory values (although creatinine was different, it was within the normal range in both groups). The mean right common carotid artery intima-media thickness was 0.5 (+/- 0.07) mm in the patient group and 0.43 (+/- 0.05) mm in the control group (p = .005). The mean left common carotid artery intima-media thickness was 0.5 (+/- 0.06) mm in the patient group and 0.43 (+/- 0.05) mm in the control group (p = .001). Carotid intima-media thickness values were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group.Conclusions: Although FMS is not an inflammatory disease, it causes endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.