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Tian X, Zeng X. Chinese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of Takayasu's arteritis (2023). RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2024; 5:5-26. [PMID: 38571931 PMCID: PMC10985707 DOI: 10.1515/rir-2024-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease that involves aorta and its primary branches. It is characterized by wall thickening, stenosis/obliteration or aneurysm formation of the involved arteries. In order to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TAK in China, a clinical practice guideline with an evidence-based approach is developed under the leadership of National Clinical Medical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID). Eleven recommendations for 11 clinical questions that are important to the diagnosis and treatment of TAK are developed based on the latest evidence and expert opinions combined with real clinical practice in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science& Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science& Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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Dong Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Tian X, Li J, Yang Y, Ge Z, Zhang L, Zou M, Wang H, Li J. Ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound for activity assessment in 115 patients with carotid involvement of Takayasu arteritis. Mod Rheumatol 2023; 33:1007-1015. [PMID: 36130241 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roac107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in disease activity assessment of Takayasu arteritis (TA) with carotid involvement. METHODS This is a cohort study of 115 patients of TA with carotid involvement. We investigated correlations between clinical data, sonographic features, and CEUS enhancement at the site most prominent lesion of each patient. Disease activity was assessed by the National Institute of Health Kerr criteria. Sonographic findings were compared with follow-up examinations. CEUS was repeated after a 3-7 months interval in 35 patients to evaluate change of CEUS enhancement after treatment. RESULTS Extensiveness of CEUS enhancement at most prominent carotid lesions had significant correlations with disease activity by the Kerr criteria (P < .001). The specificity of extensive enhancement for indicating active disease was 95%, while sensitivity was 67%. Patients with active disease showed greater arterial wall thickness and more prominent reduction of arterial wall thickness after treatment. Most of the patients (68%) with subsided active disease after treatment featured decrease of CEUS enhancement. CONCLUSIONS Extensiveness of enhancement by CEUS and arterial wall thickness by ultrasonography may be useful markers for initial and follow-up assessment of disease activity of TA with common carotid artery involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yahong Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinping Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yunjiao Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Zhitong Ge
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mi Zou
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianchu Li
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Fu Y, Chen Y. Operative experience on descending aorta with Takayasu Arteritis: a review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1181285. [PMID: 37416916 PMCID: PMC10320220 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1181285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) and descending aorta involvement often experience insidious onset and slow progression, leading to irreversible vascular lesions despite medication therapy. Surgical management plays a crucial role in resolving hemodynamic disturbances and has shown promise in improving the outcomes of this patient population, owing to significant advancements in surgical expertise. However, studies focusing on this rare disease are lacking. This review summarizes the characteristics of patients with stenosis in descending aorta, emphasizing surgical approaches, perioperative management, and disease outcomes. The operative approach depends on lesion location and extent. Existing studies have confirmed that the choice of surgical modality significantly influences postoperative complications and long-term prognosis in patients, highlighting the effectiveness of bypass surgery as a favorable option in clinical practice with a satisfactory long-term patency rate. To mitigate postoperative complications, it is advisable to conduct regular imaging follow-ups to prevent the deterioration of the condition. Notably, the occurrence of restenosis and pseudoaneurysm formation deserves particular attention due to their impact on patient survival. The use of perioperative medication remains a topic of debate, as previous studies have presented divergent perspectives. The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive perspective on surgical treatment and offer customized surgical approaches for patients in this population.
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Goudot G, Jimenez A, Mohamedi N, Sitruk J, Khider L, Mortelette H, Papadacci C, Hyafil F, Tanter M, Messas E, Pernot M, Mirault T. Assessment of Takayasu's arteritis activity by ultrasound localization microscopy. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104502. [PMID: 36893585 PMCID: PMC10017361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) based on ultrafast ultrasound imaging of circulating microbubbles (MB) can image microvascular blood flows in vivo up to the micron scale. Takayasu arteritis (TA) has an increased vascularisation of the thickened arterial wall when active. We aimed to perform vasa vasorum ULM of the carotid wall and demonstrate that ULM can provide imaging markers to assess the TA activity. METHODS Patients with TA were consecutively included with assessment of activity by the National Institute of Health criteria: 5 had active TA (median age 35.8 [24.5-46.0] years) and 11 had quiescent TA (37.2 [31.7-47.3] years). ULM was performed using a 6.4 MHz probe and a dedicated imaging sequence (plane waves with 8 angles, frame rate 500 Hz), coupled with the intravenous injection of MB. Individual MB were localised at a subwavelength scale then tracked, allowing the reconstruction of the vasa vasorum flow anatomy and velocity. FINDINGS ULM allowed to show microvessels and to measure their flow velocity within the arterial wall. The number of MB detected per second in the wall was 121 [80-146] in active cases vs. 10 [6-15] in quiescent cases (p = 0.0005), with a mean velocity of 40.5 [39.0-42.9] mm.s-1 in active cases. INTERPRETATION ULM allows visualisation of microvessels within the thickened carotid wall in TA, with significantly greater MB density in active cases. ULM provides a precise visualisation in vivo of the vasa vasorum and gives access to the arterial wall vascularisation quantification. FUNDING French Society of Cardiology. ART (Technological Research Accelerator) biomedical ultrasound program of INSERM, France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Goudot
- Vascular Medicine Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, APHP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970 PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Anatole Jimenez
- Physics for Medicine Paris, INSERM U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8631, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Nassim Mohamedi
- Vascular Medicine Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, APHP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970 PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Jonas Sitruk
- Vascular Medicine Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, APHP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970 PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Lina Khider
- Vascular Medicine Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, APHP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970 PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Hélène Mortelette
- Vascular Medicine Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Clément Papadacci
- Physics for Medicine Paris, INSERM U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8631, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Hyafil
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, APHP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mickaël Tanter
- Physics for Medicine Paris, INSERM U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8631, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Messas
- Vascular Medicine Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, APHP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970 PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Pernot
- Physics for Medicine Paris, INSERM U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8631, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Tristan Mirault
- Vascular Medicine Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, APHP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970 PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France; French National Reference Centre for Rare Vascular Diseases, FAVA-MULTI, Member of the European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases (VASCERN), F-75015 Paris, France
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Espitia O, Robin O, Hersant J, Roncato C, Théry A, Vibet MA, Gautier G, Raimbeau A, Lapébie FX. Inter and intra-observer agreement of arterial wall contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in giant cell arteritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1042366. [DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1042366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze inter- and intra-observer agreement for contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for monitoring disease activity in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) in the wall of axillary arteries, and common carotid arteries.MethodsGiant cell arteritis patients have CEUS of axillary arteries and common carotid. These images were rated by seven vascular medicine physicians from four hospitals who were experienced in duplex ultrasonography of GCA patients. Two weeks later, observers again rated the same images. GCA patients were recruited in from December 2019 to February 2021. An analysis of the contrast of the ultrasound images with a gradation in three classes (grade 0, 1, and 2) was performed. Grade 0 corresponds to no contrast, grade 1 to moderate wall contrast and grade 2 to intense contrast. A new analysis in 2 classes: positive or negative wall contrast; was then performed on new series of images.ResultsSixty arterial segments were evaluated in 30 patients. For the three-class scale, intra-rater agreement was substantial: κ 0.70; inter-rater agreement was fair: κ from 0.22 to 0.27. Thirty-four videos had a wall thickness of less than 2 mm and 26 videos had a wall thickness greater than 2 mm. For walls with a thickness lower than 2 mm: intra-rater agreement was substantial: κ 0.69; inter-rater agreement was fair: κ 0.35. For walls with a thickness of 2 mm or more: intra-rater agreement was substantial: κ 0.53; inter-rater agreement was fair: κ 0.25. For analysis of parietal contrast uptake in two classes: inter-rater agreement was fair to moderate: κ from 0.35 to 0.41; and for walls with a thickness of 2 mm or more: inter-rater agreement was fair to substantial κ from 0.22 to 0.63.ConclusionThe visual analysis of contrast uptake in the wall of the axillary and common carotid arteries showed good intra-rater agreement in GCA patients. The inter-rater agreement was low, especially when contrast was analyzed in three classes. The inter-rater agreement for the analysis in two classes was also low. The inter-rater agreement was higher in two-class analysis for walls of 2 mm thickness or more.
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Misra DP, Jain N, Ora M, Singh K, Agarwal V, Sharma A. Outcome Measures and Biomarkers for Disease Assessment in Takayasu Arteritis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102565. [PMID: 36292253 PMCID: PMC9601573 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a less common large vessel vasculitis where histopathology of involved arteries is difficult to access except during open surgical procedures. Assessment of disease activity in TAK, therefore, relies on surrogate measures. Clinical disease activity measures such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) score, the Disease Extent Index in TAK (DEI.TAK) and the Indian TAK Clinical Activity Score (ITAS2010) inconsistently associate with acute phase reactants (APRs). Computerized tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) enables anatomical characterization of stenosis, dilatation, and vessel wall characteristics. Vascular wall uptake of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose or other ligands using positron emission tomography computerized tomography (PET-CT) helps assess metabolic activity, which reflects disease activity well in a subset of TAK with normal APRs. Angiographic scoring systems to quantitate the extent of vascular involvement in TAK have been developed recently. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein have a moderate performance in distinguishing active TAK. Numerous novel biomarkers are under evaluation in TAK. Limited literature suggests a better assessment of active disease by combining APRs, PET-CT, and circulating biomarkers. Validated damage indices and patient-reported outcome measures specific to TAK are lacking. Few biomarkers have been evaluated to reflect vascular damage in TAK and constitute important research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
- Correspondence: (D.P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Neeraj Jain
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Manish Ora
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Kritika Singh
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Aman Sharma
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
- Correspondence: (D.P.M.); (A.S.)
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Li X, Cokkinos D, Gadani S, Rafailidis V, Aschwanden M, Levitin A, Szaflarski D, Kirksey L, Staub D, Partovi S. Advanced ultrasound techniques in arterial diseases. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2022; 38:1711-1721. [PMID: 35195805 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-022-02558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) remains a valuable modality for the assessment of vascular diseases, with conventional sonographic techniques such as grayscale and Doppler US used extensively to assess carotid atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, conventional US techniques are inherently limited by factors such as operator dependency and limited field of view. There is an increasing interest in the use of advanced sonographic techniques such as contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and 3-dimensional (3D) US to mitigate some of these limitations. Clinical applications of advanced sonographic techniques include surveillance of abdominal aortic aneurysm, post-endovascular aortic repair, and carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Recently published studies have demonstrated that CEUS and 3D US are superior to conventional US and comparable to computed tomography for certain vascular applications. Further research is required to fully validate the application of advanced sonographic techniques in evaluating various atherosclerotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Sameer Gadani
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Markus Aschwanden
- Department of Vascular Medicine/Angiology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abraham Levitin
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Diane Szaflarski
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Levester Kirksey
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Staub
- Department of Vascular Medicine/Angiology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sasan Partovi
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), mainly focusing on pathogenesis, imaging modalities, and management. RECENT FINDINGS Three novel clusters based on angiographic findings were identified in the Indian cohort and replicated in the North American cohorts. Different new imaging modalities have been tried in the assessment of arterial inflammation with promising results. There is more evidence on the long-term use of tocilizumab, but relapses are common. In light of the recent findings on the pathogenesis of TAK, Janus kinase inhibitors seem to be promising. SUMMARY Improvement in imaging modalities and in our understanding of the disease pathogenesis will allow us to better assess the disease activity and identify effective therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Bergner R, Splitthoff J, Wadsack D. Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Sonography in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Proof-of-Concept Study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:143-148. [PMID: 34702639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
C-Reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are crucial parameters used to monitor giant cell arteritis (GCA). Given that tocilizumab is approved for the treatment of GCA, these parameters are less sensitive because of the effects of interleukin-6 receptor blockade. Thus, the optimal method for monitoring GCA patients undergoing tocilizumab therapy, especially patients exhibiting a persistent thickened vessel wall in large vessels, remains unclear. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) can increase the visibility of tissue perfusion by slow blood flow, which cannot be detected by power color doppler. We used CEUS to investigate patients with active and inactive GCA of the large vessels (active large vessel arteritis [aLVV]/inactive large vessel arteritis [iLVV]) who were not administered tocilizumab in this proof-of-concept study. After injection of the ultrasound contrast agent, the contrasted area (CA) of large vessels in a transverse section was calculated twice: first when the lumen was contrasted completely and once again 4-8 s later. We investigated the value of increase in CA that exhibited the best sensitivity and specificity for aLVV. Twenty-four patients were included in this study: 15 with aLVV and 9 with iLVV. The CA increased from 32.2 ± 16.8 to 52.5 ± 21.3 mm2 (p < 0.0001) in aLVV. The mean CA remained unchanged in iLVV. The best cutoff value to differentiate between aLVV and iLVV was a ≥25% increase in CA with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 100%, respectively. Our study indicates that CEUS can detect aLVV with high sensitivity and specificity. Incorporation of CEUS into routine clinical practice might result in a good method for monitoring disease activity in LVV in GCA patients. The limitation of our study was the small number of patients and the lack of investigator blinding to clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Bergner
- Medizinische Klinik A, Klinikum der Stadt Ludwigshafen gGmbH, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
| | - Jan Splitthoff
- Medizinische Klinik A, Klinikum der Stadt Ludwigshafen gGmbH, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Daniel Wadsack
- Medizinische Klinik A, Klinikum der Stadt Ludwigshafen gGmbH, Ludwigshafen, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Aortitis is the inflammation of the aorta due to various causes. Clinical presentations vary as well as the imaging findings. Exact pathogenetic mechanisms or triggering factors, as well as the best diagnostic and monitoring modalities and treatment strategies, are yet to be elucidated. We reviewed recent studies in aortitis and associated diseases. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple cohort studies reporting long-term outcomes in patients with noninfectious aortitis were recently published. Comparative features of isolated aortitis were described. Six angiographic clusters for giant cell arteritis and Takayasu have been identified. New classification criteria have been proposed for IgG4-related disease by a data-driven method. The ultrasonographic slope sign and a halo score were described as specific imaging parameters in giant cell arteritis. The promising role of PET-computed tomography, not only in the diagnosis of aortitis but also in monitoring disease activity, has been noted. Results of in-vitro studies on Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, comparative studies with leflunomide as an induction therapy, and a long-term follow-up study with tocilizumab may contribute to the management of Takayasu arteritis. SUMMARY An impressive number of studies have addressed aortitis in recent years. However, there still is a lack of robust data on causes, monitoring disease activity by imaging and biomarkers, and drugs providing steroid-free remission in noninfectious aortitis.
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Jia S, Liu L, Ma J, Chen X. Application progress of multiple imaging modalities in Takayasu arteritis. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:3591-3601. [PMID: 34287748 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic, idiopathic, granulomatous large vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology. The clinical manifestations of TA are incredibly variable, mainly depending on the location of the lesions. In the light of its insidious progress and the diversity of clinical manifestations, a substantial proportion of patients might experience a considerable delay in diagnosis, which leads to irreversible malignant complications, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. There has been accumulating evidence that early identification of disease is pivotal to initiate timely therapy and ameliorate the prognosis. Therefore, this review discusses and summarizes the latest evidence on the application progress of multiple imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Jia
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang No.37, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang No.37, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang No.37, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang No.37, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Yang L, Chen L, Fang Y, Ma S. Downregulation of GSK-3β Expression via Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Enhances Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in New Zealand Rabbits. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:710-722. [PMID: 33261913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that atherosclerosis (AS) is the underlying cause of vascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technology provides a tolerable, efficient and effective system for drug delivery and gene transfection, which has broad application prospects in the treatment of AS. In addition, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β has been implicated as a potentially valuable therapeutic agent for AS treatment; however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the effect of downregulation of GSK-3β expression via UTMD on atherosclerotic plaque stability. We established a THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cell model in vitro and an atherosclerotic plaque model in the right common carotid artery of New Zealand rabbits. We determined levels of the relevant vulnerable plaque stability elements. The results indicate that GSK-3β was upregulated in the foam cells and in atherosclerotic rabbits. Downregulation of GSK-3β expression by UTMD suppressed vulnerable plaque factors and inflammation in vitro and in vivo, changed the cytoskeleton of the foam cells in vitro, increased Young's modulus and decreased the peak intensity of atherosclerotic plaque in vivo. Moreover, GSK-3β inhibition by UTMD did not influence the viability of the foam cells. Collectively, our results indicate that GSK-3β could be a potential target for anti-atherogenic interventions and, in particular, can improve the stability of AS plaques in combination with UTMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Ningbo Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Lingzi Chen
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China
| | - Ye Fang
- Department of Ultrasound, Ningbo Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Suya Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, Ningbo Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Ningbo, China.
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