SLE patients had significantly higher hs-CRP levels and increased IMT compared to controls.Positive correlation between hs-CRP levels and IMT, as well as SLEDAI, indicating hs-CRP may be a useful marker for disease activity and subclinical atherosclerosis.Patients with positive anti-ds-DNA had higher hs-CRP levels. This evidence concerns the gene MAP3K14 and systemic lupus erythematosus.