Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Computed Tomography in Patients with Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) but data on coronary calcium score (CCS) and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) are inconsistent. Objectives: The present study quantitatively summarizes the literature data on the prevalence and burden of CAD in patients with psoriasis compared with controls using CCS and CCTA. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. The search included all studies examining CAD prevalence and burden detected by CCS with or without CCTA in patients with psoriasis without prior CAD compared with controls, between the year 2000 and May 30, 2018. Results: Fourteen eligible studies provided data on 1,427 patients with psoriasis and 9,670 controls. Pooled data provided the estimated risk ratio (RR) of CAD and weighted mean differences of CCS in psoriasis patients versus controls. Meta-analysis of the prevalence and burden of CCS showed that patients with psoriasis had an increased risk of CAD (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.26; p = 0.004), and for more severe CAD (CCS >100) the risk was further increased (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.28-2.30; p < 0.001) compared with controls. Weighted mean difference for CCS was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis (12.74, 95% CI 10.70-14.78; p < 0.001). The risk of high-risk coronary plaques identified by CCTA was also significantly higher in psoriasis patients compared with controls (RR 1.77, 95% CI 1.37-2.28; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with psoriasis have a higher prevalence of subclinical CAD, a higher burden of the disease, and more high-risk coronary plaques compared with controls without psoriasis.