Assessment of Relationship Between Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Using Epicardial Fat Thickness and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness

Abstract

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common disorder in elderly men. Although the relationship between atherosclerosis and BPH is known, the association between subclinical atherosclerosis and BPH has not yet been investigated. The aim of our study was to assess this relationship using carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Patients and Methods: Fifty patients with BPH and 50 control subjects without BPH of ages 50-65 years were enrolled. According to the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), which is used for the evaluation of LUTS, patients were divided into mild-moderate (IPSS< 20 point, n= 33 patients) and severe groups (IPSS ≥ 20 point, n= 17 patients). CIMT was evaluated using ultrasonography. The relationship between CIMT and other parameters were analysed. Results: CIMT was significantly higher in BPH group (p= 0.02). In addition, it was significantly higher in severe LUTS group in subgroup analyses, which included only patients (1.22 ± 0.3 vs. 0.84 ± 0.2, p< 0.001). There was a positive correlation between CIMT and IPSS (r= 0.745, p< 0.001). CIMT and HDL cholesterol were found to be independent predictors of BPH in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Subclinical atherosclerosis and BPH may share common aetiopathogenic factors. Therefore, BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms may be indicators of atherosclerotic burden in men of the same age group.