Hidradenitis suppurativa project

Hidradenitis suppurativa is reportedly associated with increased cardiovascular risk. However, it is difficult to separate the role of the disease from the one of often coexisting cardiovascular risk factors. We tested whether patients with a low prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors displayed endothelial damage and pathological vessels’ remodelling as compared to a matched control population. Circulating endothelial cells were assessed in 17 HS patients and 19 matched controls. Retinal vascular changes were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography. Plasma levels of inflammatory and endothelial biomarkers were measured. Our results indicate that hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with a significant reduction in alive circulating endothelial progenitor cells, with no signs of acute endothelial damage. Affected subjects present narrower arteriolar diameter and wider venular diameter in the retinal microcirculation. At a median disease duration of 10 years from the diagnosis, patients display altered endothelial repair and microvascular remodelling. This calls for rigorous cardiovascular assessment in this specific cohort.