Factors associated with increased arterial stiffness in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the most common comorbidities among patients with chronic lung diseases. Arterial stiffness (AS) is one of the most potent prognostic factors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, there is very little literature describing the factors associated with the increase of AS among patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Aims and Objectives: were to investigate arterial stiffness and determine factors associated with its increase among patients with HP. Methods: We identified 106 patients with chronic HP, who underwent spirometry, plethysmography, diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), pulmonary high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), bronchoscopy and lung biopsy. AS was measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV). BMI, the duration of HP and the exacerbations frequency were evaluated. Results: The increase of arterial stiffness was found in 71 (67%) of patients. Correlation analysis adjusted for age showed a significant correlation between PWV and DLCO, the extent of lung fibrosis (LF) on HRCT (p Conclusions: The increase of arterial stiffness is associated with the extent of lung fibrosis on HRCT, diffusion disturbance, and frequency of exacerbations among patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.