Coronary artery plaque characteristics and treatment with biologic therapy in severe psoriasis: results from a prospective observational study

The use of biologic therapy has increased over the past decade well beyond primary autoimmune diseases. Indeed, a recent trial using an anti-IL-1beta antibody reduced second myocardial infarction (MI) in those who have had MI. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease often treated with biologics when severe, is associated with increased risk of MI, in part driven by high-risk coronary plaque phenotypes by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We hypothesized that we would observe a reduction in inflammatory-driven phenotypes of coronary plaque, including non-calcified coronary plaque burden and lipid-rich necrotic core in those treated with biologic therapy after one-year compared with non-biologic therapy.