Key clinical point: Atherosclerosis was significantly more prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis patients whose sera showed the presence of antibodies targeting Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype b (anti‐Aa) and/or Aa leukotoxin A (anti-LtxA).

Major finding: Coronary artery calcification scores were significantly higher among rheumatoid arthritis patients with anti‐Aa or anti-LtxA antibodies, compared to individuals without evidence of either antibody (P = .033).

Study details: The data come from a review of 197 adults with rheumatoid arthritis who were assessed for coronary artery calcification, carotid intima media thickness and plaque, and ankle-brachial index via computed tomography, ultrasound, and Doppler ultrasound, respectively; sera assays were used to identify antibodies.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Jerome L. Greene Foundation and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.