Carotid doppler ultrasound evaluation in patients with lichen planus

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate patients with lichen planus using carotid Doppler ultrasound parameters.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Forty patients with lichen planus and 40 controls were included in this study. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the number of atherosclerotic plaque were<br />measured and compared to the control group. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were measured. Leptin level (Pg/ml)<br />was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method (Leptin ELISA kit, Orgenium, Finland).<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Significant difference was found between the groups in terms of CIMT (P=0.005). The median range for blood leptin level, triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL was higher for lichen planus patients than for controls. We found a significant difference between the severity of LP and CIMT (P=0.035). No statistical difference was found between LP and the number of atherosclerotic plaque.<br /><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our study suggested that measurement of the mean intima media wall thickness of the common carotid artery could be beneficial as a valuable method for early diagnosis of atherosclerosis in lichen planus.