1
|
Karadeniz H, Ucar M, Mammadov T, Mirzayeva LS, Guler AA, Kardas RC, Yıldırım D, Vasi I, Kaya B, Duran R, Karadeniz M, Erden A, Kucuk H, Goker B, Ozturk MA, Tufan A. Diffuse generalized venulitis as the primary pathology of Behçet's disease: A comprehensive magnetic resonance venography study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 62:152246. [PMID: 37573753 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Behçet's Disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem vasculitis that manifests with destructive inflammation affecting the eyes, central nervous system, and blood vessels. The pathology of vein involvement in BD is poorly characterized. Magnetic resonance (MR) venography gives more comprehensive information about deep veins and adjacent tissues. In this study, we aimed to characterize vein involvement and evaluate the diagnostic utility of MR venography in BD. METHODS Sixty-five BD patients who fulfilled the International Study Group (ISG) criteria and 20 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Inferior vena cava (IVC), common iliac veins (CIV), external (EIV) and internal iliac veins (IVV), common femoral veins (CFV), femoral veins (FV), and greater saphenous veins (GSV) of BD patients and healthy controls were evaluated with MR venography and ultrasonography for the presence pathologic features, luminal thrombi, vessel wall changes, and perivascular abnormalities. RESULTS 33 vascular and 32 non-vascular BD patients (mean age 39.3 ± 11.3 years and 48 [73.8%] male) were enrolled. MR venography revealed diffuse concentric thickening of the walls of IVC, CIV, EIV, IIV, CFV, FV, and GSV in BD (healthy controls vs. BD p<0.05 for all vein segments). MR venography provided additional information about veins and perivascular tissues like contrast enhancement, enlarged lymph nodes, and seminal vesicle vascularization, which were remarkably more frequent in vascular BD than non-vascular BD and healthy controls. CONCLUSION The results of our study suggest that the involvement of the venous system is diffuse and generalized in BD, and demonstration of venulitis might help diagnose the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hazan Karadeniz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey.
| | - Murat Ucar
- Department of Radiology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tunjay Mammadov
- Department of Radiology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Aslıhan Avanoglu Guler
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Rıza Can Kardas
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Derya Yıldırım
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Vasi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Burcugul Kaya
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Rahime Duran
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | | | - Abdulsamet Erden
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Hamit Kucuk
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Berna Goker
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akif Ozturk
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahman Tufan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey; Inflammatory Disease Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bettiol A, Alibaz-Oner F, Direskeneli H, Hatemi G, Saadoun D, Seyahi E, Prisco D, Emmi G. Vascular Behçet syndrome: from pathogenesis to treatment. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:111-126. [PMID: 36544027 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00880-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Behçet syndrome is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiopathogenesis, most commonly presenting with mucocutaneous and ocular manifestations. Vascular involvement, most frequently superficial vein and deep vein thrombosis, can occur in up to 50% of patients with Behçet syndrome. Venous thrombosis at atypical sites (inferior and superior vena cava, suprahepatic veins with Budd-Chiari syndrome, portal vein, cerebral sinuses and right atrium and/or ventricle) and arterial involvement (mostly in situ thrombosis and aneurysms of the pulmonary arteries, as well as aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, and peripheral and visceral arteries) are also unique features of Behçet syndrome. Behçet syndrome is considered a natural model of inflammation-induced thrombosis in humans, with an impaired immune-inflammatory response rather than traditional cardiovascular risk factors contributing to thrombogenesis. Specifically, neutrophil hyperactivation and neutrophil-mediated mechanisms of damage directly promote endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation and thrombogenesis in Behçet syndrome. This unusual pathogenesis directly determines the treatment approach, which relies mostly on immunosuppressants rather than anticoagulants for treatment of thrombosis and for secondary prevention. This Review discusses the main histopathological, pathogenetic and clinical aspects of vascular Behçet syndrome, addressing their implications for therapeutic management. Future perspectives in terms of pathogenetic studies, disease monitoring and treatment strategies are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bettiol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy.,Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine Unit, Behçet Center, Careggi University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Fatma Alibaz-Oner
- Vasculitis Clinic, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Haner Direskeneli
- Vasculitis Clinic, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Behçet's Disease Research Centre, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - David Saadoun
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France.,Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Emire Seyahi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Behçet's Disease Research Centre, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Domenico Prisco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy.,Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine Unit, Behçet Center, Careggi University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy. .,Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine Unit, Behçet Center, Careggi University Hospital, Firenze, Italy. .,Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marozoff S, Mai A, Dehghan N, Sayre EC, Choi HK, Aviña-Zubieta JA. Increased risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A population-based study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270142. [PMID: 35714116 PMCID: PMC9205510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the risk and time trends of venous thromboembolism (VTE) including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in new granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) cases compared to the general population. Using a population-level database from the entire province of British Columbia, Canada, we conducted a matched cohort study of all patients with incident GPA with up to ten age-, sex-, and entry time-matched individuals randomly selected from the general population. We compared incidence rates of VTE, PE, and DVT between the two groups, and calculated hazard ratios (HR), adjusting for relevant confounders. Among 549 individuals with incident GPA (57.6% female, mean age 55.4 years), the incidence rates for VTE, PE, and DVT were 7.22, 2.73, and 6.32 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; the corresponding rates were 1.36, 0.74, and 0.81 per 1,000 person-years among the 5,490 non-GPA individuals. Compared with the non-GPA cohort, the fully adjusted HRs among GPA patients were 2.90 (95% CI, 1.10-7.64), 4.70 (95% CI, 1.74-12.69), and 1.66 (95% CI, 0.52-5.27) for VTE, PE, and DVT, respectively. The risks of VTE, PE, and DVT were highest during the first year after GPA diagnosis with HR (95% CI) of 11.04 (1.37-88.72), 26.94 (4.56-159.24), and 2.68 (0.23-31.21), respectively. GPA patients are at significantly increased risk of PE, but not DVT. Monitoring for these complications is particularly warranted in this patient population, especially early after diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Marozoff
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alice Mai
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Natasha Dehghan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric C. Sayre
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hyon K. Choi
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- The Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - J. Antonio Aviña-Zubieta
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Groarke EM, Dulau-Florea AE, Kanthi Y. Thrombotic manifestations of VEXAS syndrome. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:230-238. [PMID: 34802545 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a recently described autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by diffuse inflammatory manifestations, predisposition to hematological malignancy, and an association with a high rate of thrombosis. VEXAS is attributed to somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with myeloid restriction in mature forms. The rate of thrombosis in VEXAS patients is approximately 40% in all reported cases to date. Venous thromboembolism predominates thrombotic events in VEXAS. These are classified as unprovoked in etiology, although systemic and vascular inflammation are implicated. Here, we review the clinical and laboratory characteristics in VEXAS that provide insight into the possible mechanisms leading to thrombosis. We present knowledge gaps in the mechanisms and management of VEXAS-associated thromboinflammation and propose areas for future investigation in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Groarke
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Alina E Dulau-Florea
- Hematology Section, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yogendra Kanthi
- Laboratory of Vascular Thrombosis and Inflammation, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aksoy A, Colak S, Yagiz B, Coskun BN, Omma A, Yildiz Y, Sari A, Atas N, Ilgin C, Karadag Ö, Erden A, Dalkilic E, Bolca N, Ergelen R, Onur MR, Direskeneli H, Alibaz-Oner F. Predictors for the risk and severity of post-thrombotic syndrome in vascular Behçet's disease. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 9:1451-1459. [PMID: 33618067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities is the most common form of vascular involvement in Behçet disease (BD), frequently leading to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) as a disabling complication. We have described the clinical characteristics and predictors of PTS presence among patients with BD and lower extremity DVT. We also used venous Doppler ultrasound (US) examinations in our assessment. METHODS Patients with BD (n = 205; 166 men, 39 women; age 39 ± 9.5 years) and a history of DVT were investigated. The Villalta scale was used to assess the presence and severity of PTS. Doppler US examinations were performed within 1 week of the clinical evaluation. The total number of vessels with reflux, thrombi, recanalization, and collateral vessels were calculated. RESULTS Of the 205 patients with BD, 62% had had PTS and 18% had had severe PTS. Patients with PTS had had greater reflux (P = .054) and thrombosis (P = .02) scores compared with patients without PTS. Treatment with anticoagulation (AC), immunosuppressive (IS) therapy, or AC combined with IS drugs did not affect the occurrence of PTS. However, patients treated with IS therapy, with or without AC drugs, had a decreased incidence of severe PTS compared with the AC-only group (P = .017). Patients treated with AC plus IS agents also had increased collateral scores compared with patients treated with only IS drugs. Interferon-α use seemed to provide better recanalization scores compared with azathioprine only (1.0 [range, 0-14] vs 2.5 [range, 0-10]; P = .010). CONCLUSION Patients with BD and DVT have a high risk of developing severe PTS. IS treatment decreases the development of severe PTS. AC therapy might influence the course of PTS by increasing the collateral scores, and the use of interferon-α also increased recanalization scores. Routine assessment with Doppler US examinations could be helpful in the prediction of severe PTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aysun Aksoy
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Seda Colak
- Division of Rheumatology, Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcu Yagiz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Belkıs Nihan Coskun
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Omma
- Division of Rheumatology, Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yasin Yildiz
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Sari
- Vasculitis Research Centre, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nuh Atas
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Ilgin
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ömer Karadag
- Vasculitis Research Centre, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Abdülsamet Erden
- Vasculitis Research Centre, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ediz Dalkilic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Naile Bolca
- Department of Radiology, Uludag University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Rabia Ergelen
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ruhi Onur
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haner Direskeneli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Alibaz-Oner
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Imaging manifestations of Behcet's disease: Key considerations and major features. Eur J Radiol 2017; 98:214-225. [PMID: 29196115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Behcet's disease is an autoimmune disease most commonly seen in the Middle East. Although primarily known with painful oral and genital ulcers, it can lead to vasculitis. Therefore, several associated complications such as thrombotic syndromes, aneurysmal arterial disease may arise. In many cases, it might be difficult to make the diagnosis purely based on clinical grounds; however, imaging plays an important role for both diagnosis and assessment of the disease's complications. We provide a comprehensive review of the most notable imaging findings of Behcet's disease.
Collapse
|
7
|
Unizony S, Lu N, Tomasson G, Zhang Y, Merkel PA, Stone JH, Antonio Aviña‐Zubieta J, Choi HK. Temporal Trends of Venous Thromboembolism Risk Before and After Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 69:176-184. [DOI: 10.1002/art.39847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Na Lu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Boston University School of MedicineBoston
| | - Gunnar Tomasson
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, and University of IcelandReykjavik Iceland
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Boston University School of MedicineBoston Massachusetts
| | | | - John H. Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston
| | | | - Hyon K. Choi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Boston University School of MedicineBoston
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Unizony S, Menendez ME, Rastalsky N, Stone JH. Inpatient complications in patients with giant cell arteritis: decreased mortality and increased risk of thromboembolism, delirium and adrenal insufficiency. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015; 54:1360-8. [PMID: 25667435 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keu483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The morbidity and mortality of hospitalized GCA patients have been unexplored. The aim of this study was to analyse inpatient complications experienced by patients with GCA. METHODS We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to study a large group of patients admitted for pneumonia, myocardial infarction (MI), ischaemic stroke and femoral neck fracture. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they had a diagnosis of GCA upon admission. Outcomes evaluated included inpatient mortality and the occurrence of adrenal insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and delirium. RESULTS From 2008 to 2011, 8 203 447 patients ≥50 years of age were discharged from US hospitals after admission with pneumonia, MI, stroke and femoral neck fracture. Among these patients, 9311 (0.11%) had GCA. Admissions for pneumonia, stroke and hip fracture were more frequent in GCA patients compared with those without GCA, accounting for 41.5% vs 39.4%, 24.9% vs 19.8% and 15.4% vs 14.2% of hospitalizations, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Admissions for MI were more common in non-GCA patients (26.6% vs 18.2%, P < 0.001). During hospitalization, 4.1% of the GCA patients died, compared with 4.8% of those without GCA [odds ratio (OR) 0.73, P < 0.001). The GCA population suffered significantly more often from deep vein thrombosis (OR 2.08, P < 0.001), pulmonary embolism (OR 1.58, P < 0.001), delirium (OR 1.60, P < 0.001) and adrenal insufficiency (OR 4.95, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Hospitalized GCA patients have lower mortality compared with the general inpatient population but greater risk of venous thromboembolism, delirium and adrenal insufficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariano E Menendez
- Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naina Rastalsky
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology Division and
| | - John H Stone
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology Division and
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alibaz-Oner F, Karatay E, Akpinar IN, Ergun T, Direskeneli H. Evaluation of asymptomatic venous disease by venous Doppler ultrasonography in patients with Behcet's disease without overt thrombosis. Clin Rheumatol 2013; 33:277-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-013-2382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
10
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the association of thrombosis and vasculitis and discuss some of the proposed causal mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS It is becoming increasingly evident that various systemic inflammatory diseases such as vasculitis are associated with an increased risk of both venous and arterial thrombosis. Increasing evidence supports the use of immunosuppression in the management of venous thrombosis in Behçet's disease. An increased incidence of thromboembolic disease in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis has been recognized, especially during periods of active disease. In addition, a higher risk of ischemic heart disease in these patients has also been observed. As in giant cell arteritis, recent evidence supports the role of aspirin in the prevention of ischemic events in Takayasu's disease. SUMMARY Thromboembolic disease is an important complication of several forms of systemic vasculitis, and it may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Many questions such as the role for screening of asymptomatic patients, prevention of thrombosis, and duration of anticoagulation in patients with vasculitis remain unanswered. Future studies exploring the mechanisms of thrombosis and its link to inflammation may provide insights in predicting patients at a higher risk for thrombosis and improve outcomes.
Collapse
|