Evaluation of serum cardiac troponin I and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a recurrent, immune-mediated, hair-loss disorder. It is associated with other autoimmune disorders that carry a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is a lack of reports on the association of cardiovascular comorbidities and AA. Cardiac troponin I is a biomarker of myocardial ischaemia and inflammation, while N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide is used in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure. This study was conducted to assess the serum level of both markers by ELISA in 44 patients with AA compared with 44 healthy controls (HCs). None of the participants had CVD, CVD risk factors or other diseases associated with elevation of either marker. The study revealed that serum levels of both markers were significantly higher in patients with AA compared with HCs (P < 0.001). The inflammatory milieu encountered in AA may be associated with subtle myocardial inflammation that causes elevation of levels of both of these cardiac markers.