Abstract Introduction Patients with rheumatological conditions have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet traditional risk stratification tools may underestimate their atherosclerotic burden. Imaging modalities such as coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, and carotid ultrasound may improve risk assessment and optimize lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Purpose This study evaluates the role of imaging-guided lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in rheumatology-referred patients, aiming to determine its impact on risk stratification, treatment modification, and clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 121 patients referred by rheumatologists for cardiovascular risk assessment. Cardiovascular risk factors, lipid profiles, and ASCVD risk estimates were obtained. Patients underwent imaging based on an age- and symptom-stratified protocol: CCTA, CAC scoring, or carotid ultrasound. LLT was initiated or adjusted based on imaging findings, targeting an LDL goal of ≤70 mg/dL for patients with atherosclerosis and ≤130 mg/dL for those without. The primary endpoint was LDL reduction, and secondary outcomes included reclassification rates and cardiovascular event occurrence. Results Atherosclerosis was detected in 85 patients (70%), despite only 69 (57%) having an ASCVD risk ≥5% per standard calculators. Imaging led to reclassification in 25.6% of patients, resulting in LLT intensification in 42.4% of patients not indicated for treatment per AHA guidelines and de-escalation in 19.3% of those previously indicated for treatment. Post-treatment, LDL reduction was 35.9% in atherosclerotic patients, compared to 17.9% in non-atherosclerotic patients. Over a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 1.4 years, no major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction MI, cerebrovascular accident CVA, or unplanned revascularization) were observed, despite an expected event rate of 3.4%–7.6% based on five different risk estimation models. Conclusion Incorporating atherosclerosis imaging into routine evaluation for individuals with rheumatological conditions enhances risk stratification, allows for personalized treatment strategies, and was associated with a lower rate of cardiovascular events compared with what was predicted by traditional risk-based approaches.
Pashaee et al. (Sat,) studied this question.