Assessment of Carotid Stiffness and Strain Parameters Using Speckle Tracking Strain Ultrasonography in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive joint deformity and increased mortality. RA patients typically exhibit elevated plasma levels of inflammatory markers, contributing to endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial wall stiffness-a recognized marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and heightened cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate carotid arterial wall stiffness in RA patients using ultrasound (US) imaging modality with speckle tracking carotid strain (STCS) software, a non-invasive method for assessing subclinical cardiovascular disease indicators.