Atherosclerosis features in rheumatic diseases – focus on peripheral artery disease

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) confer an increased cardiovascular risk beyond traditional factors, with peripheral artery disease (PAD) being an important source of morbidity and disability in these patients. This review summarizes current evidence on PAD across RMDs, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic sclerosis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, and primary Sjögren’s syndrome.

Physiopathological mechanisms involved include persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, and the presence of pathogenic autoantibodies. Protective humoral responses have also been linked to reduced CV risk and may serve as future biomarkers.

Clinical studies reveal variable PAD prevalence across diseases but consistent high underdiagnosis. Optimal management requires aggressive CV risk control, including lipid-lowering, immunomodulatory, and biologic therapies.

This review underscores PAD as a distinct and clinically relevant manifestation of systemic autoimmunity, calling for targeted screening and prevention strategies in rheumatic populations.