MIcrovascular dysfuNction In Moderate-severe Psoriasis

Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2% of the population, is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Despite the implication of inflammation in this excess risk, it remains unclear whether reducing inflammation reduces the risk of cardiac events. This study proposes to test whether Tildrakizumab, an FDA approved therapy for psoriasis that blocks IL-23 and the Th17 pathway of inflammation, improves coronary vascular function and coronary flow reserve, as measured by noninvasive imaging with cardiac positron emission tomography. In so doing, improvement in coronary vasoreactivity, endothelial function, and tissue perfusion may have beneficial effects on myocardial mechanics, left ventricular deformation and function and, ultimately, symptoms and prognosis. This research may offer novel insights into the contributors of CV risk in psoriasis and provide data to support the development of strategies to prevent cardiovascular events in psoriatic disease.