Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Alopecia Areata: Usefulness of Arterial Ultrasound for Disease Diagnosis and Analysis of Its Relationship with Cardiometabolic Parameters

The study explores the link between alopecia areata (AA) and subclinical atherosclerosis using arterial ultrasound in 62 participants (31 with severe AA and 31 healthy controls). It reveals that AA patients have a significantly higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis (54.7%) compared to controls (22.6%), with atheroma plaques more common in the carotid arteries of AA patients. Factors such as older age, longer AA duration, and higher glycated hemoglobin and triglyceride levels are associated with atherosclerosis in AA patients. The study concludes that systemic inflammation and insulin resistance may contribute to this increased risk, suggesting carotid ultrasound as a useful screening tool for cardiovascular risk in AA patients. Further research with larger samples is recommended.