The Prevalence of Atherosclerosis in Those with Inflammatory Connective Tissue Disease by Race, Age, and Traditional Risk Factors

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of connective tissue disease complicated with bronchiectasis and pulmonary infection

The clinical data from 118 CTD patients with bronchiectasis were collected and categorized into two groups: pulmonary infection present (n = 67) and absent (n = 51), for comparative analysis of characteristics and risk factors. Then, we analyzed and compared their demographics, disease characteristics, and risk factors for infection. Among the whole cohort (n = 118), the incidence of pulmonary infections was 56.78%. The occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and vasculitis was found to be associated with an increased risk of pulmonary infection. Sputum culture identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae as the predominant pathogens in the infected group. Notably, symptoms such as joint pains (p = 0.018) and morning stiffness (p = 0.017) were significantly more common in the infected group compared to the noninfected group. Moreover, our findings revealed that elevated levels of C-reactive protein and complement C3, along with bronchial expansion observed on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), were significant independent factors in the infection group. Conversely, pulmonary interstitial changes identified through HRCT (OR: 0.135, 95% CI: 0.030-0.612, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with the non-infection group. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into managing CTD patients with bronchiectasis, emphasizing early detection and tailored approaches to prevent and treat pulmonary infections for better outcomes.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease in young adults: Focus on gender differences. A collaborative review from the EAS Young Fellows

A steady rise in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been observed in young adults within the last decades. This trend corresponds to an increasing prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 among young adults living in developed countries. Moreover, age-specific risk factors, such as substance abuse, contraceptive medication, and pregnancy-related diseases also correlate with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the available data for young adults on the epidemiology and the rationale for the causality of traditional and newly emerging risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. We focus on gender-related differences in the exposure to these risk factors, investigate the recent data regarding screening and risk stratification in the young adult population, and describe the current state of the art on lifestyle and therapeutic intervention strategies in the primary prevention setting.

Nailfold video-capillaroscopy in the study of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) is an inexpensive method of assessing microcirculation. We reviewed the literature to assess whether changes to the nailfold capillaries exist in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for original research articles relating to the use of noninvasive microvascular assessment in patients with CVD. Methodological quality was assessed with the 'Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies.' The results obtained from NVC were analysed qualitatively and compared with other forms of microvascular assessment.

RESULTS

In total 2759 articles were screened, of which 22 studies involving 562 patients (~40% women) with CVD were included. Mean age ranged between 3.7-68.4 years (cases) and 4.0-58.0 years (controls). Reduced capillary density and increased capillary dimensions were seen in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Among patients with systemic sclerosis, advanced scleroderma patterns can be used to identify patients with or at risk of developing PAH. Functional nailfold changes precede structural changes in patients with hypertension. However, the studies were heterogeneous in the diagnosis of disease and the measurement of nailfold parameters. Most studies did not exclude conditions with altered nailfold features, and only one study performed a power calculation. Furthermore, abnormal nailfold findings are present in patients without systemic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Structural and functional changes to the nailfold are a feature of established CVD and precede the development of PAH. However, heterogeneity in measurement and abnormal findings in healthy participants limit their use in the wider population.

Predictors of overlapping autoimmune disease in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum disorder (NMOSD): A retrospective analysis in two inner-city hospitals

BACKGROUND

The coexistence of Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with other autoimmune diseases (AD-NMOSD) presents worse clinical outcomes and healthcare costs than NMOSD alone (NMOSD-only). NMOSD and other autoimmune diseases also have a higher prevalence and morbidity in Black. We aim to compare clinical features and treatment responses in NMOSD patients with and without overlapping autoimmunity in a predominantly Black cohort. We further identify predictors associated with each clinical subtype.

METHODS

AD-NMOSD (n = 14) and NMOSD-only (n = 27) patients were identified retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, and response to treatment data were examined.

RESULTS

Our cohort was predominately Black (82.9%). The prevalence of grouped-comorbidities, history of infections, sensory symptoms, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) before treatment, double-stranded DNA, antinuclear, ribonucleoprotein, and antiphospholipid antibodies, spinal-cord edema, white matter occipital lesions, and the levels of C-reactive protein, urine protein/creatinine, white blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), were higher in AD-NMOSD patients (p < 0.05 and/or Cramer's V > 30, Cohen's d > 50), whereas the age of males, visual symptoms, serum albumin, platelet count, and optic nerve enhancement were lower. EDSS after treatment improved in both groups being more evident in NMOSD-only patients (p = 0.003, SE = 0.58 vs p = 0.075, SE = 0.51). Other variables had a close to moderate SE, and others did not differ between NMOSD subtypes. A higher frequency of grouped-comorbidities, lower serum albumin, and platelet count were independently associated with a higher risk for AD-NMOSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Some clinical features between AD-NMOSD and NMOSD-only patients were similar, while others differed. Comorbidities, serum albumin, and platelet count may be independent predictors of AD-NMOSD.

Health disparities in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation that involves symmetric polyarthritis of small and large joints. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases represent a significant socioeconomic burden as they are among the leading causes of death and morbidity due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Health disparities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis affect outcomes, prognosis, and management of the disease.

Oncostatin M: Risks and Benefits of a Novel Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. It is predicted that approximately 23.6 million people will die from CVDs annually by 2030. Therefore, there is a great need for an effective therapeutic approach to combat this disease. The European Cardiovascular Target Discovery (CarTarDis) consortium identified Oncostatin M (OSM) as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. The benefits of modulating OSM - an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine - have since been studied for multiple indications. However, as decades of high attrition rates have stressed, the success of a drug target is determined by the fine balance between benefits and the risk of adverse events. Safety issues should therefore not be overlooked.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, a risk/benefit analysis is performed on OSM inhibition in the context of atherosclerosis treatment. First, OSM signaling characteristics and its role in atherosclerosis are described. Next, an overview of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical findings relating to both the benefits and risks of modulating OSM in major organ systems is provided. Based on OSM's biological function and expression profile as well as drug intervention studies, safety concerns of inhibiting this target have been identified, assessed, and ranked for the target population.

CONCLUSION

While OSM may be of therapeutic value in atherosclerosis, drug development should also focus on de-risking the herein identified major safety concerns: tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, bleeding, anemia, and NMDA- and glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Close monitoring and/or exclusion of patients with various comorbidities may be required for optimal therapeutic benefit.

Risk factors for in-stent restenosis after vertebral artery stenting of V1 segment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a challenge in the treatment of vertebral artery V1 segment stenosis. The aim of this meta-analysis is to identify the risk factors of ISR.

METHODS

Studies eligible for inclusion criteria were found in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Data related to risk factors of ISR were extracted from the included studies, and pooled analysis was performed when data of the same factor were available in ≥2 studies. Dichotomous outcomes were analyzed with odds ratios (OR) and continuous outcomes were analyzed with a weighted mean difference (WMD). The Stata 14.0 program was used for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies involving 1356 patients were included in our analysis. Pooled analyses showed that younger age (p = 0.01; WMD= -1.958; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.453 to -0.463) and V1 tortuosity (p = 0.004; OR = 4.145; 95% CI, 1.56-11.012) significantly associated with higher risk of ISR in V1 segment stenting. While bare-metal stents, stent diameter and length, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and smoking were not found to increase ISR rates.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed that young age and V1 tortuosity increase the ISR rates after vertebral V1 segment stenting.

Atherosclerosis and Its Impact on the Outcomes of Patients with Deep Venous Thrombosis

Introduction: Atherosclerosis and pulmonary embolism (PE) affect cardiovascular mortality substantially. We aimed to investigate the impact of atherosclerosis on the outcomes of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and to identify the differences in DVT patients with and without PE. Methods: Patients with DVT with and without symptomatic atherosclerosis (defined as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and/or peripheral artery disease) as well as with and without PE under oral anticoagulation were enrolled during January 2011−April 2013 and compared. The impact of symptomatic atherosclerosis on several outcomes was analyzed. Results: Overall, 509 DVT patients (70.0 [56.0−77.0] years, 51.9% females) were included in this study. Among them, 179 (36.3%) had symptomatic atherosclerosis and 204 (40.1%) a concomitant PE. DVT patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis were older (74.0 [IQR 65.0−80.0] vs. 63.0 [48.0−75.0] years, p < 0.0001), more often male (56.4% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.0087) and had a higher prevalence of classical CVRF and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (7.00 [5.00−8.00] vs. 4.00 [2.00−6.00], p < 0.001). Symptomatic atherosclerosis was associated with increased mortality (HR 1.98 [95%CI 1.12−3.49], p = 0.018) and hospitalizations (HR 1.64 [95%CI 1.21−2.21], p = 0.0012) and primary long-term outcome (HR 1.99 [95%CI 1.31−3.04], p = 0.0013) during the 2 years follow-up-period in DVT patients. DVT patients without PE had diabetes mellitus (28.2% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.01) and symptomatic atherosclerosis (42.9% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.001) more often compared to DVT patients with PE, and symptomatic atherosclerosis was associated with isolated DVT (without PE) (OR 2.01 [95%CI 1.28−3.16], p < 0.01). Conclusions: Atherosclerosis was associated with isolated DVT (without PE) and increased mortality in DVT patients under oral anticoagulation. The profile of CVRF and comorbidities differed between DVT patients with and without a concomitant PE. In the case of DVT or PE, patients should be screened for concomitant atherosclerotic disease. Clinical Trial Registration: at clinicaltrials with Unique identifier NCT01809015.

EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular risk management in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To develop recommendations for cardiovascular risk (CVR) management in gout, vasculitis, systemic sclerosis (SSc), myositis, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

METHODS

Following European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) standardised procedures, a multidisciplinary task force formulated recommendations for CVR prediction and management based on systematic literature reviews and expert opinion.

RESULTS

Four overarching principles emphasising the need of regular screening and management of modifiable CVR factors and patient education were endorsed. Nineteen recommendations (eleven for gout, vasculitis, SSc, MCTD, myositis, SS; eight for SLE, APS) were developed covering three topics: (1) CVR prediction tools; (2) interventions on traditional CVR factors and (3) interventions on disease-related CVR factors. Several statements relied on expert opinion because high-quality evidence was lacking. Use of generic CVR prediction tools is recommended due to lack of validated rheumatic diseases-specific tools. Diuretics should be avoided in gout and beta-blockers in SSc, and a blood pressure target <130/80 mm Hg should be considered in SLE. Lipid management should follow general population guidelines, and antiplatelet use in SLE, APS and large-vessel vasculitis should follow prior EULAR recommendations. A serum uric acid level <0.36 mmol/L (<6 mg/dL) in gout, and disease activity control and glucocorticoid dose minimisation in SLE and vasculitis, are recommended. Hydroxychloroquine is recommended in SLE because it may also reduce CVR, while no particular immunosuppressive treatment in SLE or urate-lowering therapy in gout has been associated with CVR lowering.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations can guide clinical practice and future research for improving CVR management in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Prevalence of Findings in Routine Abdominal Ultrasound in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases and Their Impact on Therapeutic Decision Making

Patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) often receive abdominal ultrasound examinations to screen for organ involvement; yet, the spectrum of findings and their clinical relevance are poorly understood. We conducted a retrospective chart review of inpatients from a rheumatological referral centre with an abdominal ultrasound between 1 January2006 and 31 December 2015, examining 1092 SARD patients with a total of 1695 inpatient stays. The mean age was 55.1 years (range: 17–90 years, SD: 15.8), and the mean disease duration was 6.4 years (range: 0.0–52.8 years, SD: 9.1). A total of 87.5% of the patients were female. The most frequent ultrasound findings were hepatic steatosis (in 26.8% of all patients), splenomegaly (15.2% of all patients), pancreatic lipomatosis (14.3% of all patients) and aortic sclerosis (13.9% of all patients). Based on glucocorticoid and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug use, we identified cases where immuno-modulatory medication was escalated; there was an association between therapy escalation and the findings of hepatomegaly and pleural effusion (as tested via Fisher’s exact test). In patients with several examinations during the defined time span (n = 318), we found ultrasound findings to change, especially findings of hepatomegaly, pleural effusion and splenomegaly. When justifying decisions regarding the further treatment of a patient in the discharge letter, abdominal ultrasound results were rarely discussed. Abdominal ultrasound rarely yielded disease-specific or treatment-changing results.

Assessment and management of the heightened risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in patients with lupus erythematosus or dermatomyositis

For patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) or dermatomyositis (DM), there is an urgent need to address a heightened risk of clinical events, chiefly heart attacks and strokes, caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Patients with LE or DM frequently exhibit high levels of conventional risk factors for ASCVD events, particularly dyslipoproteinemia and hypertension; an amplified burden of atherosclerotic plaques; and increased age- and sex-adjusted rates of ASCVD events compared with the general population. The rate of ASCVD events exceeds what would be expected from conventional risk factors, suggesting that disease-specific autoimmune processes exacerbate specific, known pathogenic steps in atherosclerosis. Importantly, despite their heightened risk, patients with LE or DM are often undertreated for known causative agents and exacerbators of ASCVD. Herein, we propose an approach to assess and manage the heightened risk of ASCVD events in patients with LE or DM. Our approach is modeled in large part on established approaches to patients with diabetes mellitus or stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease, which are well-studied conditions that also show heightened risk for ASCVD events and have been explicitly incorporated into standard clinical guidelines for ASCVD. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that patients with LE or DM require earlier and more aggressive screening and management of ASCVD. We suggest that physicians consider implementing multipliers of conventional risk calculators to trigger earlier initiation of lifestyle modifications and medical therapies in primary prevention of ASCVD events, employ vascular imaging to quantify the burden of subclinical plaques, and treat to lower lipid targets using statins and newer therapies, such as PCSK9 inhibitors, that decrease ASCVD events in nonautoimmune cohorts. More clinical vigilance is needed regarding surveillance, prevention, risk modification, and treatment of dyslipidemias, hypertension, and smoking in patients with LE or DM. All of these goals are achievable.

H2 FPEF score predicts atherosclerosis presence in patients with systemic connective tissue disease

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic connective tissue diseases (SCTD) due to accelerated atherosclerosis which couldn't be explained by traditional risk factors (CVDRF).

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that recently developed score predicting probability of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (H₂ FPEF), as well as a measure of right ventricular-pulmonary vasculature coupling [tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio], are predictive of atherosclerosis in SCTD.

METHODS

203 patients (178 females) diagnosed with SCTD underwent standard and stress-echocardiography (SE) with TAPSE/PASP and left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling pressure (E/e') measurements, carotid ultrasound and computed tomographic coronary angiography. Patients who were SE positive for ischemia underwent coronary angiography (34/203). The H₂ FPEF score was calculated according to age, body mass index, presence of atrial fibrillation, ≥2 antihypertensives, E/e' and PASP.

RESULTS

Mean LV ejection fraction was 66.3 ± 7.1%. Atherosclerosis was present in 150/203 patients according to: 1) intima-media thickness>0.9 mm; and 2) Agatstone score > 300 or Syntax score ≥ 1. On binary logistic regression analysis, including CVDRF prevalence, echocardiographic parameters and H₂ FPEF score, only H₂ FPEF score remained significant for the prediction of atherosclerosis presence (χ² = 19.3, HR 2.6, CI 1.5-4.3, p < 0.001), and resting TAPSE/PASP for the prediction of a SE positive for ischemia (χ² = 10.4, HR 0.01, CI = 0.01-0.22, p = 0.004). On ROC analysis, the optimal threshold value for identifying patients with atherosclerosis was a H₂ FPEF score ≥2 (Sn 60.4%, Sp 69.4%, area 0.67, SE = 0.05, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

H₂ FPEF score and resting TAPSE/PASP demonstrated clinical value for an atherosclerosis diagnosis in patients diagnosed with SCTD.

Cardiovascular diagnosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erhytematosus

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the world and the most common type of comorbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Chronic inflammation in systemic rheumatic diseases can contribute to the development of CVD. Although risk factors for the CVD in the general population are well known, in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases risk factors for the CVD have not been specified as well as their connection with traditional risk factors, which would explain the increased incidence of CVD in these patients. Patients with chronic rheumatic diseases (RA, SLE, SjS and SSc) have an increased risk of developing both coronary and carotid atherosclerotic diseases. With the increase of the world's population suffering from rheumatoid autoimmune diseases, and thus increased morbidity and mortality, an adequate diagnostic strategy for the detection of coronary heart disease and risk stratification for their development is necessary. Functional techniques are readily available and can prove the presence of ischemia. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to anatomical techniques that determine the degree of atherosclerosis. So far, a small number of studies are known that indicate the diagnostic accuracy and importance of functional and anatomical techniques in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The advantage of anatomical techniques is reflected in the direct visualization of either obstructive or non-obstructive (subclinical) coronary disease, allowing the detection of atherosclerosis in the early subclinical stage. However, information on the hemodynamic consequences of the detected changes remains unknown without functional testing. In asymptomatic patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, studies have shown an increased prevalence of silent ischemia and atherosclerosis and thus suggested early screening in the general population. Unfortunately, only a small number of prospective studies that have examined improved prognosis based on screening. Therefore, it is very important to conduct large prospective studies in terms of examining predictive markers of the occurrence and development of coronary heart disease in patients with autoimmune rheumatoid diseases.

Ethnic Disparities in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Prevalence Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in the United States: a Systematic Review

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). General population cohorts have shown African American individuals to have greater and Hispanic Americans to have lower cardiovascular disease prevalence when compared with non‐Hispanic white individuals; however, the reasons for these findings are not clear. This systematic review seeks to describe the incidence and prevalence of ASCVD stratified by race/ethnicity within the US RA population.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies that reported incidence or prevalence of ASCVD (including, but not limited to, fatal and nonfatal stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death) in those with RA. Abstracts and full texts were screened separately for inclusion by two reviewers, with a third reviewer to resolve discrepancies.

Results

We screened 2625 abstracts and fully reviewed 138 manuscripts. Twenty‐one were included that cited at a minimum the percentage of non‐Hispanic whites in their population. No publication meeting entry criteria initially stratified ASCVD by race/ethnicity. The average prevalent ASCVD in RA is 46.9% (95% CI: 46.8–47) (range of prevalent ASCVD: 30%‐47%). The average incident ASCVD is 8.2% (95% CI: 8.14–8.25) (range of incident ASCVD 1%–46%).

Conclusion

In this systematic review, we found a paucity of data on racially/ethnically diverse RA patients and ASCVD outcomes. Future studies should report the prevalence of ASCVD in various races/ethnicities with RA in the United States. These data would help inform clinicians on how best to manage cardiovascular disease risk in RA.

Incidence and Risk Factors of In-Stent Restenosis for Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

In-stent restenosis affects long-term outcome in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

PURPOSE

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of in-stent restenosis.

DATA SOURCES

All literature that reported in-stent restenosis was searched on PubMed, Ovid EMBASE and Ovid MEDLINE data bases.

STUDY SELECTION

Original articles about stents for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were selected.

DATA ANALYSIS

Meta-analysis was conducted to derive the pooled in-stent restenosis using a random-effects model. Meta-regression was performed to explore the risk factors predisposing to in-stent restenosis.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In total, 51 studies with 5043 patients were included. The pooled incidence rate of in-stent restenosis was 14.8% (95% CI, 11.9%-17.9%). Among the lesions with in-stent restenosis, 28.8% of them led to (95% CI, 22.0%-36.0%) related neurologic symptoms. The series in the United States had a higher in-stent restenosis rate (27.0%; 95% CI, 20.6%-33.9%) compared with those from Asia (13.6%; 95% CI, 10.3%-17.2%) and other regions as a whole (7.6%; 95% CI, 1.1%-18.1%) (P < .01). Multiregression analysis revealed that younger patient age was related to high in-stent restenosis rates (P = .019), and vertebrobasilar junction location (P = .010) and low residual stenosis (P = .018) were 2 independent risk factors for symptomatic in-stent restenosis rate.

LIMITATIONS

The heterogeneity of most outcomes was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed promising results of in-stent restenosis for symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis. Studies are needed to further expatiate on the mechanisms by which younger patient age, vertebrobasilar junction location, and low residual stenosis could increase in-stent restenosis and symptomatic in-stent restenosis, respectively.

Management of multivessel coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a complex path to precision medicine

Recent analyses suggest the incidence of acute coronary syndrome is declining in high- and middle-income countries. Despite this, overall rates of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) continue to rise. Furthermore, NSTEMI is a greater contributor to mortality after hospital discharge than ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with NSTEMI are often older, comorbid and have a high likelihood of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD), which is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Currently, optimal treatment strategies for MVD in NSTEMI are less well established than for STEMI or stable coronary artery disease. Specifically, in relation to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) there is a paucity of randomized, prospective data comparing multivessel and culprit lesion-only PCI. Given the heterogeneous pathological basis for NSTEMI with MVD, an approach of complete revascularization may not be appropriate or necessary in all patients. Recognizing this, this review summarizes the limited evidence base for the interventional management of non-culprit disease in NSTEMI by comparing culprit-only and multivessel PCI strategies. We then explore how a personalized, precise approach to investigation, therapy and follow up may be achieved based on patient-, disease- and lesion-specific factors.

Unveiling the Role of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress on Age-Related Cardiovascular Diseases

The global population above 60 years has been growing exponentially in the last decades, which is accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of age-related chronic diseases, highlighting cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Aging is the main risk factor for these diseases. Such susceptibility to disease is explained, at least in part, by the increase of oxidative stress, in which it damages cellular components such as proteins, DNA, and lipids. In addition, the chronic inflammatory process in aging “inflammaging” also contributes to cell damage, creating a stressful environment which drives to the development of CVDs. Taken together, it is possible to identify the molecular connection between oxidative stress and the inflammatory process, especially by the crosstalk between the transcription factors Nrf-2 and NF-κB which are mediated by redox signalling and are involved in aging. Therapies that control this process are key targets in the prevention/combat of age-related CVDs. In this review, we show the basics of inflammation and oxidative stress, including the crosstalk between them, and the implications on age-related CVDs.

Hypertension in rheumatic diseases: prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates according to current hypertension guidelines

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases confer increased cardiovascular risk, which is at least partially mediated by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We examined the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension in a large cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases. Consecutive patients attending the Rheumatology Οutpatient Clinics were studied. Hypertension was defined by both the 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH) guidelines and the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). In a total of 622 individuals, hypertension prevalence reached 54.5% according to the 2018 ESH/ESC guideline, with the highest rates observed in patients with osteoarthritis (69.6%), rheumatoid arthritis (60.9%), and psoriatic arthritis (57.8%). Among hypertensive individuals, 21.7% were unaware of high blood pressure levels, while 67.2% were treated. Only 48.6% of treated hypertensives reached the 2018 ESC/ESH treatment goals. Applying the 2017 ACC/AHA criteria would result in a substantial increase of hypertension prevalence (72.4%) for both genders and especially among younger individuals, accompanied by a dramatic drop in control rates among treated patients (16.7%). In conclusion, comorbid hypertension was highly prevalent in a large cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases according to ESH/ESC and especially, ACC/AHA guidelines. However, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in a significant portion, while control rates are far from optimal. Our findings highlight the importance of systematic screening and more aggressive treatment of hypertension among patients with rheumatic diseases.

Utility of Coronary Calcium Scoring (CCS) in Connective Tissue Disorders (CTDs) for the Evaluation of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis - A Systematic Review

Objective

To assess the current state of knowledge for the utility of coronary calcium scoring (CCS) in connective tissue disorders (CTDs) as it relates to the presence and quantification of coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review retrieved 1019 studies (since database inception on May 7, 2018) from which 121 manuscripts were eligible for review. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies that investigated CCS in adults with respective CTDs. Studies were excluded if a complete manuscript was not written in English or was a case report.

Results

Thirty‐one studies were included (27 with healthy age‐/gender‐matched control group for comparison and 4 without). CTDs analyzed in articles with control group: 11 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 14 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 4 systemic sclerosis (SSc), 1 idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), 1 Takayasu arteritis, and 1 psoriasis. Nine out of 11 RA studies, 12 out of 14 SLE studies, and 2 out of 4 SSc studies showed statistically significant increased CCS when compared with the control group. CTDs analyzed in studies without control group: two Kawasaki disease, one juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and one antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) article, which demonstrated increased coronary arterial calcium burden, however, without statistically significant data.

Conclusion

CTDs, especially SLE and RA, are associated with higher CCS compared with the control group, indicating increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis. Our search did not elicit sufficient publications or statistically significant results in many other CTDs.

Impact of Historic Migrations and Evolutionary Processes on Human Immunity

The evolution of mankind has constantly been influenced by the pathogens encountered. The various populations of modern humans that ventured out of Africa adapted to different environments and faced a large variety of infectious agents, resulting in local adaptations of the immune system for these populations. The functional variation of immune genes as a result of evolution is relevant in the responses against infection, as well as in the emergence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases observed in modern populations. Understanding how host-pathogen interactions have influenced the human immune system from an evolutionary perspective might contribute to unveiling the causes behind different immune-mediated disorders and promote the development of new strategies to detect and control such diseases.

Preclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients With Juvenile-Onset Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

BACKGROUND

This study investigated preclinical atherosclerosis in patients with juvenile mixed connective tissue disease (JMCTD), which is a chronic inflammatory disease with a varied phenotype. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) has well known associations with other autoimmune diseases known to have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the cardiovascular risk for patients with the juvenile form remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-nine patients with JMCTD and 45 age-and sex-matched controls took part in this study. They underwent blood tests, clinical examination, and ultrasound measurement of the carotid arteries.

RESULTS

We found that patients had significantly higher average carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) as compared to controls (mean 0.57 ± 0.09 versus 0.53 ± 0.06, P = .03). IMT also increased with both increasing disease duration (years from diagnosis), and severity as assessed by the physicians global assessment score, after adjustment for age.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate increased preclinical atherosclerosis in juvenile MCTD. Our findings suggest that the atherosclerotic burden in this patient group, which was independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, might be secondary to the underlying connective tissue disease.

The Effect of Statin Use on Mortality in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

OBJECTIVE

Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) are associated with an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. We examined the potential survival benefit of statin use among patients with SARD in a general population setting.

METHODS

We conducted an incident user cohort study using a UK general population database. Our population included patients with a SARD as determined by Read code diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren syndrome, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, Behçet disease, or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014. We compared propensity score-matched cohorts of statin initiators and noninitiators within 1-year cohort accrual blocks to account for potential confounders, including disease duration, body mass index, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and medication use.

RESULTS

Of 2305 statin initiators, 298 died during the followup period (mean 5.1 yrs), whereas among 2305 propensity score-matched noninitiators, 338 died during the followup period (mean 4.8 yrs). This corresponded to mortality rates of 25.4/1000 and 30.3/1000 person-years, respectively. Statin initiation was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.98). When we compared the unmatched cohorts, the statin initiators (n = 2863) showed increased mortality (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.58-2.16) compared with noninitiators (n = 2863 randomly selected within 1-year cohort accrual blocks) because of confounding by indication.

CONCLUSION

In this general population-based study, statin initiation was shown to reduce overall mortality in patients with SARD after adjusting for relevant determinates of CVD risk.

Aminoquinoline antimalarial therapy in dermatomyositis-are we missing opportunities with respect to comorbidities and modulation of extracutaneous disease activity?

It is now widely accepted that long-term aminoquinoline antimalarial therapy with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) can mitigate one of the most important comorbidities of systemic lupus erythematosus (LE)-atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Increasing evidence suggests that idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) patients have a risk for ASCVD comorbidity that is similar to that of systemic LE. I would like to explore the primary hypothesis that long-term HCQ therapy could provide those with IIM, especially dermatomyositis (DM) patients, an ASCVD comorbidity benefit similar to that of systemic LE. In addition, while HCQ is known to have clinical benefits for the cutaneous manifestations of DM, I would also like to explore the secondary hypothesis that HCQ might have steroid-sparing effects on one or more of the systemic manifestations of DM.

Mechanisms of vascular aging: What can we learn from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome?

Aging is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The increased prevalence of CVD is partly due to the global increase in life expectancy. In this context, it is essential to identify the mechanisms by which aging induces CVD, with the ultimate aim of reducing its incidence. Both atherosclerosis and heart failure significantly contribute to age-associated CVD morbidity and mortality. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the synthesis of progerin, which is noted for accelerated aging and CVD. This mutant form of prelamin A induces generalised atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, and cardiac electrophysiological abnormalities, leading to premature aging and death, mainly due to myocardial infarction and stroke. This review discusses the main vascular structural and functional abnormalities during physiological and premature aging, as well as the mechanisms involved in the exacerbated CVD and accelerated aging induced by the accumulation of progerin and prelamin A. Both proteins are expressed in non-HGPS individuals, and physiological aging shares many features of progeria. Research into HGPS could therefore shed light on novel mechanisms involved in the physiological aging of the cardiovascular system.

Deterioration of Cerebral Oxygenation by Aortic Arch Calcification Progression in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Near-infrared spectroscopy revealed that the regional saturation of oxygen (rSO₂) in cerebral tissue is lower in hemodialysis (HD) patients than in healthy subjects. However, no study has examined the changes in cerebral oxygenation by aortic arch calcification (AAC) progression in HD patients.

Methods

A total of 104 HD patients were divided into four groups by AAC grade determined using chest radiography: 23 patients at grade 0, 24 at grade 1, 30 at grade 2, and 27 at grade 3. Differences in clinical parameters, including cerebral rSO₂, among AAC grades were investigated and atherosclerotic parameters affecting cerebral rSO₂ values were identified.

Results

Cerebral rSO₂ significantly decreased as AAC progressed (AAC grade 3 versus grade 0, p < 0.01 versus grade 1, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using parameters with p values < 0.20 in univariate analysis between cerebral rSO₂ values less than the mean and atherosclerotic parameters. AAC grades 2 and 3, serum phosphate level, and history of smoking were factors associated with the cerebral rSO₂ decrease.

Conclusions

Cerebral rSO₂ significantly decreased as AAC progressed and was independently associated with higher AAC grade, serum phosphate level, and history of smoking.

Rheumatoid arthritis complicates noninvasive whole blood gene expression testing for coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to evaluate an age- and sex-specific gene expression score (ASGES) previously validated to detect obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We evaluated 20 pairs of nondiabetic coronary patients with and without RA, selected by matching on age, sex, race, body mass index, tobacco use, and number of diseased coronary vessels. Peripheral blood gene expression levels of 23 CAD-associated genes were measured, and a previously validated CAD risk score including age, sex, and gene expression levels (Corus CAD) was computed. Linear regression was used to determine effects of both CAD and RA on the ASGES.

RESULTS

Among patients with RA, the ASGES was not associated with CAD. The ASGES was elevated in patients with RA (P<.04) when compared with matched controls. The presence of RA was associated with significantly altered expression for 6 of the 23 genes (P<.05 for all, not adjusted for multiple comparisons): S100 calcium binding protein A12, interleukin-18 receptor accessory protein, caspase 5, S100 calcium binding protein A8, aquaporin 9, and cluster of differentiation 79b.

CONCLUSIONS

Across a range of coronary artery disease severity, RA was associated with altered expression of CAD-associated genes. Notably, 2 of these genes, S100 calcium binding protein A8 and A12, are associated with neutrophil activation and are under investigation as therapeutic targets for both RA and CAD. These findings highlight common pathogenic mechanisms for RA and CAD and validate the prior exclusion of RA patients from ASGES-based evaluation of CAD likelihood.

Aging in the Cardiovascular System: Lessons from Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

Aging, the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), is becoming progressively more prevalent in our societies. A better understanding of how aging promotes CVD is therefore urgently needed to develop new strategies to reduce disease burden. Atherosclerosis and heart failure contribute significantly to age-associated CVD-related morbimortality. CVD and aging are both accelerated in patients suffering from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a rare genetic disorder caused by the prelamin A mutant progerin. Progerin causes extensive atherosclerosis and cardiac electrophysiological alterations that invariably lead to premature aging and death. This review summarizes the main structural and functional alterations to the cardiovascular system during physiological and premature aging and discusses the mechanisms underlying exaggerated CVD and aging induced by prelamin A and progerin. Because both proteins are expressed in normally aging non-HGPS individuals, and most hallmarks of normal aging occur in progeria, research on HGPS can identify mechanisms underlying physiological aging.

Apolipoprotein L1 risk variants associate with prevalent atherosclerotic disease in African American systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Objective

Atherosclerosis is exaggerated in African American (AA) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, with doubled cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared to White patients. The extent to which common Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk alleles (RA) contribute to this trend is unknown. This retrospective cohort study assessed prevalent atherosclerotic disease across APOL1 genotypes in AA SLE patients.

Methods

One hundred thirteen AA SLE subjects were APOL1-genotyped and stratified as having: zero risk alleles, one risk allele, or two risk alleles. Chart review assessed CVD manifestations including abdominal aortic aneurysm, angina, carotid artery disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and vascular calcifications. Associations between the genotypes and a composite endpoint defined as one or more CVD manifestations were calculated using logistic regression. Symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, excluding incidental vascular calcifications, was also assessed.

Results

The 0-risk-allele, 1-risk-allele and 2-risk-allele groups, respectively, comprised 34%, 53%, and 13% of the cohort. Respectively, 13.2%, 41.7%, and 60.0% of the 0-risk allele, 1-risk-allele, and 2-risk-allele groups met the composite endpoint of atherosclerotic CVD (p = 0.001). Adjusting for risk factors–including smoking, ESRD, BMI >25 and hypertension–we observed an association between carrying one or more RA and atherosclerotic CVD (OR = 7.1; p = 0.002). For symptomatic disease, the OR was 3.5 (p = 0.02). In a time-to-event analysis, the proportion of subjects free from the composite primary endpoint, symptomatic atherosclerotic CVD, was higher in the 0-risk-allele group compared to the 1-risk-allele and 2-risk-allele groups (χ² = 6.5; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Taken together, the APOL1 RAs associate with prevalent atherosclerotic CVD in this cohort of AA SLE patients, perhaps reflecting a potentiating effect of SLE on APOL1-related cardiovascular phenotypes.

Hypertension as a cardiovascular risk factor in autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Evidence for the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic inflammatory and systemic autoimmune diseases has accumulated during the past 15 years. In these patients, an interplay between several mechanisms, including premature acceleration of subclinical atherosclerotic damage, inflammation, and dysregulation of the immune system, is involved in the induction and progression of atherosclerosis. Moreover, traditional cardiovascular risk factors are also likely to contribute, at least in part, to the excess cardiovascular risk. Among traditional cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension is an important predictor of cardiovascular events in the general population and in patients with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Evidence supports the idea that the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the increased blood pressure in these diseases are multifactorial and not only related to the mechanical injury of the arterial wall. In particular, chronic inflammation and immune-mediated mechanisms have been demonstrated to affect blood-pressure control in patients with systemic autoimmune disease. In this Review, we discuss the available evidence on the relationship between hypertension and autoimmune diseases, and describe the multiple factors that might affect blood-pressure control in patients with chronic inflammatory and systemic autoimmune diseases. We also discuss the effect of hypertension and antirheumatic therapies on cardiovascular outcome.