Structural features of the Achilles tendon in men with dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis

Highlights. A large number of studies are devoted to changes in connective tissues in persons with familial hypercholesterolemia. Studies that are focused on these changes in patients with dyslipidemia without family history of dyslipidemia are few, and most of them are based on ultrasound methods. The data presented in the article make it possible to timely assess the presence of minor changes in the Achilles tendons and thereby obtain additional information about the mechanism of lipid deposition in various tissues.Aim. To determine structural features of the Achilles tendon in men with dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.Methods. The study included 138 men aged 45–65 years with or without atherosclerosis of the common carotid artery or the abdominal aorta and their aortic branches verified by multislice computed tomography.Results. In individuals with atherosclerosis, the frequency of calcification of the Achilles tendon was 2.5 times higher than in individuals without atherosclerosis. In individuals with carotid artery atherosclerosis, the cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon was 1.2 times larger than in individuals with abdominal aortic atherosclerosis. In individuals with carotid artery atherosclerosis, the density of the Achilles tendon was 1.1 times higher than in individuals with abdominal aortic atherosclerosis. In individuals with carotid artery atherosclerosis, the frequency of calcification of the Achilles tendon was 2.0 times higher than in individuals with abdominal aortic atherosclerosis. An increase in the cross-sectional area of the tendon and its density, regardless of other factors, including the localization of the atherosclerosis, is directly associated with the total blood cholesterol. The presence of lipid and calcium deposition in the tendons, regardless of other factors, is directly associated with the total blood cholesterol and some of its fractions. The presence of lipid deposition in the tendons is inversely associated with the level of level of phosphate in the blood. The thickening of the tendon and the increase in its density is directly associated with the age of men.Conclusion. The study results revealed that persons with dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis present with changes in the connective tissues – in the structure of tendons, regardless of family history.