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Goh EJH, Xu C, Li KZ, Lai AHO, Au RTM, Chin CF. A Case of Microscopic Polyangiitis and Giant Cell Arteritis Presenting With Unilateral Visual Loss. J Neuroophthalmol 2024:00041327-990000000-00681. [PMID: 38967504 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000002210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Jin Hui Goh
- Departments of Ophthalmology (EJHG, KZL, AHOL, CFC), Rheumatology (CX), and Pathology (RTMA), Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Lee JI, Park JW, Jung Y, Shin K, Choi SR, Kang EH, Lee YJ, Yoo JJ, Ha YJ. Clinical characteristics and courses of Korean patients with giant cell arteritis: a multi-center retrospective study. JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES 2024; 31:160-170. [PMID: 38957359 PMCID: PMC11215252 DOI: 10.4078/jrd.2024.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Objective Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large-vessel vasculitis that primarily affects elderly individuals. However, data regarding Korean patients with GCA are scarce owing to its extremely low prevalence in East Asia. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of Korean patients with GCA and their outcomes, focusing on relapse. Methods The medical records of 27 patients with GCA treated at three tertiary hospitals between 2007 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Seventeen (63.0%) patients were females, and the median age at diagnosis was 75 years. Large vessel involvement (LVI) was detected in 12 (44.4%) patients, and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was present in 14 (51.9%) patients. Twelve (44.4%) patients had fever at onset. The presence of LVI or concurrent PMR at diagnosis was associated with a longer time to normalization of the C-reactive protein level (p=0.039) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.034). During follow-up (median 33.8 months), four (14.8%) patients experienced relapse. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that relapse was associated with visual loss (p=0.008) and the absence of fever (p=0.004) at onset, but not with LVI or concurrent PMR. Conclusion Concurrent PMR and LVI were observed in approximately half of Korean patients with GCA, and the elapsed time to normalization of inflammatory markers in these patients was longer. The relapse rate in Korean GCA is lower than that in Western countries, and afebrile patients or patients with vision loss at onset have a higher risk of relapse, suggesting that physicians should carefully monitor patients with these characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-In Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jun Won Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youjin Jung
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kichul Shin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Rim Choi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eun Ha Kang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Jong Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Jin Yoo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - You-Jung Ha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Ishihara R, Watanabe R, Shiomi M, Katsushima M, Fukumoto K, Yamada S, Okano T, Hashimoto M. Exploring the Link between Varicella-Zoster Virus, Autoimmune Diseases, and the Role of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine. Biomolecules 2024; 14:739. [PMID: 39062454 PMCID: PMC11274381 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070739] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a human neurotropic herpes virus responsible for varicella and herpes zoster (HZ). Following primary infection in childhood, VZV manifests as varicella (chickenpox) and enters a period of latency within the dorsal root ganglion. A compromised cellular immune response due to aging or immunosuppression triggers viral reactivation and the development of HZ (shingles). Patients with autoimmune diseases have a higher risk of developing HZ owing to the immunodeficiency associated with the disease itself and/or the use of immunosuppressive agents. The introduction of new immunosuppressive agents with unique mechanisms has expanded the treatment options for autoimmune diseases but has also increased the risk of HZ. Specifically, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and anifrolumab have raised concerns regarding HZ. Despite treatment advances, a substantial number of patients suffer from complications such as postherpetic neuralgia for prolonged periods. The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is considered safe and effective even in immunocompromised patients. The widespread adoption of RZV may reduce the health and socioeconomic burdens of HZ patients. This review covers the link between VZV and autoimmune diseases, assesses the risk of HZ associated with immunosuppressant use, and discusses the benefits and risks of using RZV in patients with autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuhei Ishihara
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Ryu Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Mayu Shiomi
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Masao Katsushima
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Kazuo Fukumoto
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Yamada
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Tadashi Okano
- Center for Senile Degenerative Disorders (CSDD), Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Motomu Hashimoto
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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Alnaimat F, Alduradi H, Al-Qasem S, Ghazzal H, Alsarhan M. Giant cell arteritis: insights from a monocentric retrospective cohort study. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1013-1023. [PMID: 38502233 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05540-5] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), more common in Northern European populations, has limited data in Arabcountries. Our study reports GCA's clinical manifestations in Jordan and reviews published research on GCA across Arab nations. In this retrospective analysis, GCA patients diagnosed from January 2007 to March 2019 at a Jordanian academic medical center were included through referrals for temporal artery biopsy (TAB). A comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, and the DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) databases was conducted to identify all relevant English-language manuscripts from Arab countries on GCA without time limitations. Among 59 diagnosed GCA patients, 41 (69.5%) were clinically diagnosed with a negative TAB, and 19 (30.5%) had a positive result. Females comprised 74.6% (n = 44) with 1:3 male-female ratio. The mean age at diagnosis was 67.3 (± 9.5) years, with most presenting within two weeks (n = 40, 67.8%). Headache was reported by 54 patients (91.5%). Elevated ESR occurred in 51 patients (78%), with a mean of 81 ± 32.2 mm/hr. All received glucocorticoids for 13.1 ± 10 months. Azathioprine, Methotrexate, and Tocilizumab usage was 15.3% (n = 9), 8.5% (n = 5), and 3.4% (n = 2), respectively. Remission was observed in 57.6% (n=34), and 40.7% (n = 24) had a chronic clinical course on treatment. Males had higher biopsy-based diagnoses (p = .008), and biopsy-diagnosed patients were older (p = .043). The literature search yielded only 20 manuscripts originating in the Arab world. The predominant study types included case reports and retrospective analyses, with only one case series and onecase-control study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Alnaimat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Hamza Alduradi
- School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Régis C, Abikhzer G, Harel F, Pelletier-Galarneau M. Molecular imaging of large vessel vasculitis. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2024; 55:S10-S16. [PMID: 38097449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.11.010] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Large vessel vasculitis (LVV) affects mainly large arteries with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) being the two most frequent forms. Clinical symptoms can be non-specific, including headache, fatigue, weight loss, and change in vision. Untreated, LVV may also lead to serious complications such as blindness, aortic aneurysm and dissection. Therefore, rapid recognition of the disease leading to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential. FDG-PET/CT imaging has emerged as a sensitive marker of active vascular inflammation and its use in the management of LVV is now integrated in guidelines. In this article, we will discuss the role of FDG-PET/CT for the diagnosis of LVV and monitoring of therapy, as well as review technical and interpretation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudine Régis
- Department of Medical Imaging, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gad Abikhzer
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francois Harel
- Department of Medical Imaging, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Estupiñán-Moreno E, Hernández-Rodríguez J, Li T, Ciudad L, Andrés-León E, Terron-Camero LC, Prieto-González S, Espígol-Frigolé G, Cid MC, Márquez A, Martin J, Ballestar E, Ortiz-Fernández L. Decoding CD4 + T cell transcriptome in giant cell arteritis: Novel pathways and altered cross-talk with monocytes. J Autoimmun 2024; 146:103240. [PMID: 38754238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103240] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immune-mediated large-vessels vasculitis with complex etiology. Although the pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood, a central role for CD4+ T cells has been demonstrated. In this context, understanding the transcriptome dysregulation in GCA CD4+ T cells will yield new insights into its pathogenesis. METHODS Transcriptome analysis was conducted on CD4+ T cells from 70 patients with GCA with different disease activity and treatment status (active patients before treatment and patients in remission with and without glucocorticoid treatment), and 28 healthy controls. The study also evaluated potential impacts of DNA methylation on gene expression alterations and assessed cross-talk with CD14+ monocytes. RESULTS This study has uncovered a substantial number of genes and pathways potentially contributing to the pathogenicity of CD4+ T cells in GCA. Specifically, CD4+ T cells from GCA patients with active disease exhibited altered expression levels of genes involved in multiple immune-related processes, including various interleukins (IL) signaling pathways. Notably, IL-2, a decisive interleukin for regulatory T cells homeostasis, was among the most significant. Additionally, impaired apoptotic pathways appear crucial in GCA development. Our findings also suggest that histone-related epigenetic pathways may be implicated in promoting an inflammatory phenotype in GCA active patients. Finally, our study observed altered signaling communication, such as the Jagged-Notch signaling, between CD4+ T cells and monocytes that could have pathogenic relevance in GCA. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests the participation of novel cytokines and pathways and the occurrence of a disruption of monocyte-T cell crosstalk driving GCA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkyn Estupiñán-Moreno
- Institute of Parastitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - José Hernández-Rodríguez
- Vasculitis Research Unit. Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tianlu Li
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Ciudad
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Andrés-León
- Institute of Parastitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Carmen Terron-Camero
- Institute of Parastitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Sergio Prieto-González
- Vasculitis Research Unit. Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Georgina Espígol-Frigolé
- Vasculitis Research Unit. Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria C Cid
- Vasculitis Research Unit. Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Márquez
- Institute of Parastitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Martin
- Institute of Parastitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain.
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lourdes Ortiz-Fernández
- Institute of Parastitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain.
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Gorlen TF, Brittain JM, Østergaard M, Fischer BM, Døhn UM, Terslev L. Low incidence of malignancy in patients with suspected polymyalgia rheumatica or giant cell arteritis, examined with FDG-PET/CT. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1309905. [PMID: 38449885 PMCID: PMC10915273 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1309905] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The need to systematically examine patients suspected of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) for malignancy is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of malignancy in patients with suspected PMR and/or GCA who have been referred to a 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) as part of the diagnostic investigation. Method The records of all patients referred to FDG-PET/CT from Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup with the suspicion of PMR and/or GCA during a two-year period, were retrospectively reviewed. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, and a standard incidence ratio was calculated based on background cancer incidences extracted from the NORDCAN database. Results 220 patients were included in the study. Findings suspicious of malignancy were found in 19 of the examinations, and in seven cases (3.2%), malignancy was confirmed. In three out of the seven cases the patients were diagnosed with PMR concomitantly with malignancy. The estimated standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for cancer compared to the background incidence of cancer in Denmark was 1.58 (95% CI 0.63-2.97), i.e., not statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences in characteristics of the patients that were diagnosed with malignancy compared with those that were not. Conclusion The frequency of malignancy in this cohort of patients with suspected PMR/GCA who underwent PET/CT was low. Our results, though based on a small cohort, do not suggest that all patients with suspected PMR/GCA should systematically be examined with FDG-PET/CT for excluding malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Fromberg Gorlen
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jane Maestri Brittain
- Department of Clinical Physiology & Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbara Malene Fischer
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology & Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Uffe Møller Døhn
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Elfishawi MM, Kaymakci MS, J Achenbach S, S Crowson C, Kermani TA, M Weyand C, J Koster M, Warrington KJ. Reappraisal of large artery involvement in giant cell arteritis: a population-based cohort over 70 years. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003775. [PMID: 38331471 PMCID: PMC10860079 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incidence and outcomes of large artery (LA) involvement among patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and to compare LA involvement to non-GCA patients. METHODS The study included Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA residents with incident GCA between 1950 and 2016 with follow-up through 31 December 2020, death or migration. A population-based age-matched/sex-matched comparator cohort without GCA was assembled. LA involvement included aortic aneurysm, dissection, stenosis in the aorta or its main branches diagnosed within 1 year prior to GCA or anytime afterwards. Cumulative incidence of LA involvement was estimated; Cox models were used. RESULTS The GCA cohort included 289 patients (77% females, 81% temporal artery biopsy positive), 106 with LA involvement.Reported cumulative incidences of LA involvement in GCA at 15 years were 14.8%, 30.2% and 49.2% for 1950-1974, 1975-1999 and 2000-2016, respectively (HR 3.48, 95% CI 1.67 to 7.27 for 2000-2016 vs 1950-1974).GCA patients had higher risk for LA involvement compared with non-GCA (HR 3.22, 95% CI 1.83 to 5.68 adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities). Thoracic aortic aneurysms were increased in GCA versus non GCA (HR 13.46, 95% CI 1.78 to 101.98) but not abdominal (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.33 to 3.55).All-cause mortality in GCA patients improved over time (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.93 in 2000-2016 vs 1950-1974) but remained significantly elevated in those with LA involvement (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.56). CONCLUSIONS LA involvement in GCA has increased over time. Patients with GCA have higher incidences of LA involvement compared with non-GCA including thoracic but not abdominal aneurysms. Mortality is increased in patients with GCA and LA involvement highlighting the need for continued surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohanad M Elfishawi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Autoimmune and Rheumatic diseases, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Sara J Achenbach
- Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Tanaz A Kermani
- Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Saha MK. Overview of Vasculitides in Adults. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2024; 34:1-12. [PMID: 37951696 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2023.07.007] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Vasculitis is characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels. Vasculitides refers to the different forms of vasculitis, often classified according to the size of the blood vessel that is involved. Vasculitis may occur as a primary process or secondary to many systemic diseases. This topic provides an overview of the clinical features, diagnosis, and classification of the different forms of vasculitides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish K Saha
- Division of Nephrology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Paroli M, Caccavale R, Accapezzato D. Giant Cell Arteritis: Advances in Understanding Pathogenesis and Implications for Clinical Practice. Cells 2024; 13:267. [PMID: 38334659 PMCID: PMC10855045 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030267] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a noninfectious granulomatous vasculitis of unknown etiology affecting individuals older than 50 years. Two forms of GCA have been identified: a cranial form involving the medium-caliber temporal artery causing temporal arteritis (TA) and an extracranial form involving the large vessels, mainly the thoracic aorta and its branches. GCA generally affects individuals with a genetic predisposition, but several epigenetic (micro)environmental factors are often critical for the onset of this vasculitis. A key role in the pathogenesis of GCA is played by cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, which contribute to the formation of granulomas that may include giant cells, a hallmark of the disease, and arterial tertiary follicular organs. Cells of the vessel wall cells, including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells, actively contribute to vascular remodeling responsible for vascular stenosis and ischemic complications. This review will discuss new insights into the molecular and cellular pathogenetic mechanisms of GCA, as well as the implications of these findings for the development of new diagnostic biomarkers and targeted drugs that could hopefully replace glucocorticoids (GCs), still the backbone of therapy for this vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marino Paroli
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, 04100 Latina, Italy; (R.C.); (D.A.)
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Molina-Collada J, Domínguez-Álvaro M, Melero-González RB, Fernández-Fernández E, Silva-Díaz M, Valero JA, González I, Martín JS, Narváez J, Calvo I, Mendizábal J, Alcázar LA, Loricera J, Roman AR, Moya P, Tortosa-Cabañas M, Estrada P, Prado FJ, Castañeda S, Blanco R. Visual manifestations in giant cell arteritis: identification of risk factors from the ARTESER Registry. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024:keae042. [PMID: 38244610 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae042] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and predictive factors of visual manifestations in a large registry of patients with GCA. METHODS ARTESER is a large Spanish multicentre registry supported by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology. It includes patients with GCA from across the entire country diagnosed between June 2013 and March 2019. The variables collected at diagnosis were demographics, clinical manifestations (including all visual manifestations), laboratory, temporal artery biopsy, and imaging findings (ultrasound, FDG-PET/CT, MRI angiography, CT angiography). Patients with and without visual involvement were compared in a bivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine potential predictive factors of visual manifestations. RESULTS The study population comprised 1636 GCA patients, of whom 599 (36.6%) presented visual manifestations. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was the most frequent (n = 274 of 599; 45.7%) ocular complication. The independent predictors that increased the risk (OR; 95% confidence interval) of visual involvement were older age (1.027; 1.009-1.045) and jaw claudication (1.724; 1.325-2.243). The variables associated with a reduced risk were polymyalgia rheumatica (0.541; 0.414-0.708), fever (0.373; 0.264-0.527), longer symptom duration (0.946; 0.909-0.985), and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (0.992; 0.988-0.997), common features of patients with large vessel-GCA. CONCLUSION One-third of GCA patients present visual manifestations at diagnosis. Older age and jaw claudication are independent predictors of visual manifestations, whereas polymyalgia rheumatica, fever, longer symptom duration, and high ESR reduce the risk of visual involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Molina-Collada
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón. Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Maite Silva-Díaz
- Rheumatology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña. La Coruña, Spain
| | | | - Ismael González
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario de León. León, Spain
| | - Julio Sánchez Martín
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. IDIVAL Immunopathology group, Santander, Spain
| | - Javier Narváez
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge. Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Itziar Calvo
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Galdakao-Usansolo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Javier Mendizábal
- Rheumatology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Javier Loricera
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. IDIVAL Immunopathology group, Santander, Spain
| | - Alberto Ruíz Roman
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patricia Moya
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Paula Estrada
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de San Juan Despí Moisès Broggi, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Prado
- Research Department, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ciudad de México, México, Spain
| | - Santos Castañeda
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa. IIS-Princesa, cátedra UAM-Roche, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Blanco
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. IDIVAL Immunopathology group, Santander, Spain
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12
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Narváez J, Estrada P, Vidal-Montal P, Sánchez-Rodríguez I, Sabaté-Llobera A, Nolla JM, Cortés-Romera M. Usefulness of 18F-FDG PET-CT for assessing large-vessel involvement in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis and negative temporal artery biopsy. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:13. [PMID: 38172907 PMCID: PMC10765679 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03254-w] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the usefulness of 18F-FDG PET-CT for assessing large-vessel (LV) involvement in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA) and a negative temporal artery biopsy (TAB). METHODS A retrospective review of our hospital databases was conducted to identify patients with suspected GCA and negative TAB who underwent an 18F-FDG PET-CT in an attempt to confirm the diagnosis. The gold standard for GCA diagnosis was clinical confirmation after a follow-up period of at least 12 months. RESULTS Out of the 127 patients included in the study, 73 were diagnosed with GCA after a detailed review of their medical records. Of the 73 patients finally diagnosed with GCA, 18F-FDG PET-CT was considered positive in 61 cases (83.5%). Among the 54 patients without GCA, 18F-FDG PET-CT was considered positive in only eight cases (14.8%), which included 1 case of Erdheim-Chester disease, 3 cases of IgG4-related disease, 1 case of sarcoidosis, and 3 cases of isolated aortitis. Overall, the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET-CT for assessing LV involvement in patients finally diagnosed with GCA and negative TAB yielded a sensitivity of 83.5%, specificity of 85.1%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 84% with an area under the ROC curve of 0.844 (95% CI: 0.752 to 0.936). The sensitivity was 89% in occult systemic GCA and 100% in extracranial LV-GCA. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the utility of 18F-FDG PET-CT in patients presenting with suspected GCA and a negative TAB by demonstrating the presence of LV involvement across different subsets of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Narváez
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, 08907, Spain.
| | - Paula Estrada
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Sant Joan Despí Moisès Broggi, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paola Vidal-Montal
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, 08907, Spain
| | - Iván Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Department of Nuclear Medicine - PET IDI, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida Sabaté-Llobera
- Department of Nuclear Medicine - PET IDI, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Miquel Nolla
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, 08907, Spain
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13
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Narváez J, Estrada P, Vidal-Montal P, Nolla JM. Performance of the new 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for giant cell arteritis in clinical practice in relation to its clinical phenotypes. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103413. [PMID: 37598876 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the performance of the new 2022 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/EULAR classification criteria for giant cell arteritis (GCA) in routine clinical care, compared with the 1990 ACR GCA classification criteria. METHODS The fulfilment of 2022 ACR/EULAR and 1990 ACR criteria was tested in our real-life cohort of GCA patients with proven vasculitis by temporal artery biopsy or imaging (a necessary pre-requisite to apply the new criteria is the presence of a confirmed diagnosis of medium- or large-vessel vasculitis). The performance of classification criteria was evaluated in all patients with GCA across different subsets of the disease. Patients with GCA were compared with unselected controls with suspected GCA. RESULTS A total of 136 patients with proven GCA were identified. The new criteria had a sensitivity of 92.6% and a specificity of 85.2%. According to the clinical phenotypes, the sensitivity was 98.8% in cranial GCA, 92% in extracranial large vessel (LV) GCA and 75% in occult systemic GCA. These data are much better than those observed with the 1990 ACR classification criteria, which showed a sensitivity of 66.1% and a specificity of 85.1% for the total sample, with a sensitivity of 89.1% in cranial GCA, 24% in extracranial LV-GCA and 35.7% in occult systemic GCA. Ten (7.4%) patients in our cohort did not fulfil either of the criteria sets (8 with occult systemic GCA and 2 with extracranial LV-GCA). The sensitivity of the new criteria in patients with occult systemic and extracranial LV-GCA could be greatly improved assigning more weight (3 points) to some imaging findings (axillary involvement and FDG-PET activity throughout the aorta). CONCLUSION Our study confirms that the new classification criteria are more sensitive in real-life settings than the old ACR criteria across all clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Narváez
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Paula Estrada
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Sant Joan Despí Moisès Broggi, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paola Vidal-Montal
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Miquel Nolla
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Besutti G, Marvisi C, Mancuso P, Farì R, Monelli F, Revelli M, Durmo R, Galli E, Muratore F, Spaggiari L, Ottone M, Luminari S, Pattacini P, Giorgi Rossi P, Salvarani C. Prevalence and distribution of vascular calcifications at CT scan in patients with and without large vessel vasculitis: a matched cross-sectional study. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003278. [PMID: 37640517 PMCID: PMC10462964 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003278] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence, entity and local distribution of arterial wall calcifications evaluated on CT scans in patients with large vessel vasculitis (LVV) and patients with lymphoma as reference for the population without LVV. METHODS All consecutive patients diagnosed with LVVs with available baseline positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) scan performed between 2007 and 2019 were included; non-LVV patients were lymphoma patients matched by age (±5 years), sex and year of baseline PET-CT (≤2013; >2013). CT images derived from baseline PET-CT scans of both patient groups were retrospectively reviewed by a single radiologist who, after setting a threshold of minimum 130 Hounsfield units, semiautomatically computed vascular calcifications in three separate locations (coronaries, thoracic and abdominal arteries), quantified as Agatston and volume scores. RESULTS A total of 266 patients were included. Abdominal artery calcifications were equally distributed (mean volume 3220 in LVVs and 2712 in lymphomas). Being in the LVVs group was associated with the presence of thoracic calcifications after adjusting by age and year of diagnosis (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.35 to 12.66; p=0.013). Similarly, LVVs group was significantly associated with the volume score in the thoracic arteries (p=0.048). In patients >50 years old, calcifications in the coronaries were more extended in non-LVV patients (p=0.027 for volume). CONCLUSION When compared with patients without LVVs, LVVs patients have higher calcifications in the thoracic arteries, but not in coronary and abdominal arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Besutti
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Marvisi
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Pamela Mancuso
- Epidemiology Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberto Farì
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Monelli
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Revelli
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Rexhep Durmo
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elena Galli
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Muratore
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucia Spaggiari
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marta Ottone
- Epidemiology Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefano Luminari
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Pattacini
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Paolo Giorgi Rossi
- Epidemiology Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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15
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Bilton EJ, Mollan SP. Giant cell arteritis: reviewing the advancing diagnostics and management. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2365-2373. [PMID: 36788362 PMCID: PMC9927059 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is well known to be a critical ischaemic disease that requires immediate medical recognition to initiate treatment and where one in five people still suffer visual loss. The immunopathophysiology has continued to be characterised, and the influencing of ageing in the development of GCA is beginning to be understood. Recent national and international guidelines have supported the directed use of cranial ultrasound to reduce diagnostic delay and improve clinical outcomes. Immediate high dose glucocorticoids remain the standard emergency treatment for GCA, with a number of targeted agents that have been shown in clinical trials to have superior clinical efficacy and steroid sparing effects. The aim of this review was to present the latest advances in GCA that have the potential to influence routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Bilton
- Ophthalmology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
- INSIGHT Health Data Research hub for eye health, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Ophthalmology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK.
- INSIGHT Health Data Research hub for eye health, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK.
- Transitional Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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16
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Carvajal Alegria G, Nicolas M, van Sleen Y. Biomarkers in the era of targeted therapy in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: is it possible to replace acute-phase reactants? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202160. [PMID: 37398679 PMCID: PMC10313393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) has become more important in the last few decades. Physicians are facing several challenges in managing the diagnosis, treatment, and relapses of GCA and PMR patients. The search for biomarkers could provide elements to guide a physician's decision. In this review, we aim to summarize the scientific publications about biomarkers in GCA and PMR in the past decade. The first point raised by this review is the number of clinical situations in which biomarkers could be useful: differential diagnosis of either GCA or PMR, diagnosis of underlying vasculitis in PMR, prediction of relapse or complications, disease activity monitoring, choice, and modification of treatments. The second point raised by this review is the large number of biomarkers studied, from common markers like C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or elements of blood count to inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, or immune cell subpopulations. Finally, this review underlines the heterogeneity between the studies and proposes points to consider in studies evaluating biomarkers in general and particularly in the case of GCA and PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal Alegria
- EA6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Tours, Tours Cedex, France
| | - Mathilde Nicolas
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Tours, Tours Cedex, France
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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17
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Tomelleri A, van der Geest KSM, Khurshid MA, Sebastian A, Coath F, Robbins D, Pierscionek B, Dejaco C, Matteson E, van Sleen Y, Dasgupta B. Disease stratification in GCA and PMR: state of the art and future perspectives. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023:10.1038/s41584-023-00976-8. [PMID: 37308659 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are closely related conditions characterized by systemic inflammation, a predominant IL-6 signature, an excellent response to glucocorticoids, a tendency to a chronic and relapsing course, and older age of the affected population. This Review highlights the emerging view that these diseases should be approached as linked conditions, unified under the term GCA-PMR spectrum disease (GPSD). In addition, GCA and PMR should be seen as non-monolithic conditions, with different risks of developing acute ischaemic complications and chronic vascular and tissue damage, different responses to available therapies and disparate relapse rates. A comprehensive stratification strategy for GPSD, guided by clinical findings, imaging and laboratory data, facilitates appropriate therapy and cost-effective use of health-economic resources. Patients presenting with predominant cranial symptoms and vascular involvement, who usually have a borderline elevation of inflammatory markers, are at an increased risk of sight loss in early disease but have fewer relapses in the long term, whereas the opposite is observed in patients with predominant large-vessel vasculitis. How the involvement of peripheral joint structures affects disease outcomes remains uncertain and understudied. In the future, all cases of new-onset GPSD should undergo early disease stratification, with their management adapted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alwin Sebastian
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fiona Coath
- Rheumatology Department, Mid and South Essex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-sea, UK
| | - Daniel Robbins
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Barbara Pierscionek
- Faculty of Health Education Medicine and Social Care, Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford Campus, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Bruneck, Italy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eric Matteson
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Rheumatology Department, Mid and South Essex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-sea, UK.
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18
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Ahmad N, Andev R, Verdiyeva A, Dubey S. Single centre experience of 120 patients with non-infectious aortitis: Clinical features, treatment and complications. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103354. [PMID: 37142195 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103354] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortitis is an important form of vasculitis with significant risk of complications. Very few studies have provided detailed clinical phenotyping across the whole disease spectrum. Our primary aim was to look the clinical features, management strategies and complications associated with non-infectious aortitis. METHODS A retrospective review was performed on patients with diagnosis of noninfectious aortitis at the Oxford University hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Clinicopathologic features were recorded including demographics, presentation, aetiology, laboratory, imaging findings, histopathology, complications, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS We report the data on 120 patients (59% females). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome constituted the most common presentation (47.5%). 10.8% were diagnosed following a vascular complication (dissection or aneurysm). All patients (n = 120) had raised inflammatory markers (median ESR 70.0 mm/h and CRP 68.0 mg/L). Isolated aortitis subgroup (15%) had significantly higher likelihood of presenting with vascular complications and challenging to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms. Prednisolone (91.5%) and methotrexate (89.8%) were the most used treatment. 48.3% developed vascular complications during the disease course including ischaemic complications (25%), aortic dilatation and aneurysms (29.2%) and dissection (4.2%). Risk of dissection was higher in the isolated aortitis subgroup at 16.6% compared to all other types of aortitis at 1.96%. CONCLUSION Risk of vascular complications is high in non-infectious aortitis patients during disease course, hence early diagnosis and appropriate management is key. DMARDs such as Methotrexate appear to be effective, nonetheless there remain gaps in evidence for longer-term management of relapsing disease. Dissection risk seems much higher for patients with isolated aortitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ahmad
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - R Andev
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Rheumatology Department, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom
| | - A Verdiyeva
- Department of Rheumatology, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom
| | - S Dubey
- Consultant Rheumatologist, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7HE, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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19
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Ludwig DR, Vöö S, Morris V. Fast-track pathway for early diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis: the combined role of vascular ultrasonography and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography imaging. Nucl Med Commun 2023; 44:339-344. [PMID: 36826382 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a medical emergency, which can lead to irreversible blindness and other ischaemic vascular events if left untreated. Prompt access to specialist assessment, diagnostics in the form of a fast-track pathway (FTP) and access to appropriate treatment are key factors in preventing morbidity associated with this disease. Recent developments in vascular imaging prompted review of our management of GCA patients. Here, we present the newly implemented FTP in GCA at the University College London Hospital, with added vascular imaging in the form of temporal artery ultrasound (TAUS) and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET-CT) with temporal artery biopsy. The initial pilot data on the FTP showed a significant negative predictive value of the combined TAUS and 18 F-FDG PET-CT, and the vast majority of cases positive on imaging were confirmed by biopsy. Through the new FTP in GCA, the diagnosis was completed within 48-72 h, compared with the conventional pathway time of up to 2-3 weeks awaiting biopsy results. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of GCA enables commencement of corticosteroid (prednisolone) treatment in the appropriate patient population while avoiding unnecessary steroid exposure and toxicity in GCA-negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia R Ludwig
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH)
| | - Stefan Vöö
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, UCLH, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Morris
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH)
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20
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Galli E, Pipitone N, Salvarani C. The role of PET/CT in disease activity assessment in patients with large vessel vasculitis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:194-200. [PMID: 36866659 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article was to review the recent contributions on the role of PET in assessing disease activity in patients with large-vessel vasculitis (giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis). RECENT FINDINGS 18 FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) vascular uptake in large-vessel vasculitis at PET shows moderate correlation with clinical indices, laboratory markers and signs of arterial involvement at morphological imaging. Limited data may suggest that 18 FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) vascular uptake could predict relapses and (in Takayasu arteritis) the development of new angiographic vascular lesions. PET appears to be in general sensitive to change after treatment. SUMMARY While the role of PET in diagnosis large-vessel vasculitis is established, its role in evaluating disease activity is less clear-cut. PET may be used as an ancillary technique, but a comprehensive assessment, including clinical, laboratory and morphological imaging is still required to monitor patients with large-vessel vasculitis over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Galli
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia and Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia
| | | | - Carlo Salvarani
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia and Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia
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21
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Iudici M, Hemmig AK, Stegert M, Courvoisier C, Adler S, Becker MO, Berger CT, Dan D, Finckh A, Mahr A, Neumann T, Reichenbach S, Ribi C, Seitz L, Villiger P, Wildi L, Daikeler T. Management of giant-cell arteritis in Switzerland: an online national survey. Swiss Med Wkly 2023; 153:40051. [PMID: 37011593 DOI: 10.57187/smw.2023.40051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS OF THE STUDY To assess current practices in diagnosing, treating, and following-up giant-cell arteritis by specialists in Switzerland and to identify the main barriers to using diagnostic tools. METHODS We performed a national survey of specialists potentially caring for patients with giant-cell arteritis. The survey was sent by email to all members of the Swiss Societies of Rheumatology and for Allergy and Immunology. A reminder was sent to nonresponders after 4 and 12 weeks. Its questions covered the following dimensions: respondents' main characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and imaging's role during follow-up. The main study results were summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Ninety-one specialists, primarily aged 46-65 years (n = 53/89; 59%), working in academic or nonacademic hospitals or private practice, and treating a median of 7.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3-12) patients with giant-cell arteritis per year participated in this survey. Ultrasound of temporal arteries/large vessels (n = 75/90; 83%) and positron-emission-tomography-computed tomography (n = 52/91; 57%) or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 46/90; 51%) of the aorta/extracranial arteries were the most common techniques used to diagnose giant-cell arteritis with cranial or large vessel involvement, respectively. Most participants reported a short time to obtain imaging tests or arterial biopsy. The glucocorticoid tapering scheme, glucocorticoid-sparing agent, and glucocorticoid-sparing treatment duration varied among the participants. Most physicians did not follow a predefined repeat imaging scheme for follow-up and mainly relied on structural changes (vascular thickening, stenosis, or dilatation) to drive treatment choice. CONCLUSIONS This survey indicates that imaging and temporal biopsy are rapidly accessible for diagnosing giant-cell arteritis in Switzerland but highlights heterogeneous practice in many disease management areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iudici
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Mihaela Stegert
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Courvoisier Courvoisier
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Adler
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mike Oliver Becker
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph T Berger
- University Center for Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department Biomedicine, Translational Immunology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diana Dan
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Axel Finckh
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Mahr
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Neumann
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Reichenbach
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camillo Ribi
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Seitz
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Villiger
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Wildi
- Department of Rheumatology, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Daikeler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Australia
| | - Augusto Vaglio
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Meyer IRCCS, Firenze, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy.
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23
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Giant cell arteritis successfully treated with subcutaneous tocilizumab monotherapy. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:545-549. [PMID: 36152056 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05217-x] [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: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid remains the mainstay for treatment of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) including giant cell arteritis (GCA); however, the disease affects the elderly for whom the adverse effects of glucocorticoid are problematic. Recently, some reports have suggested that intravenous tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy is effective for this disease. To date, it remains unknown whether subcutaneous TCZ monotherapy is also effective. Here, we present a first case of GCA successfully treated with subcutaneous TCZ monotherapy. A 75-year-old woman presented with shoulder and hip pain. She was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and treated with low-dose prednisolone (15 mg daily); however, she discontinued glucocorticoid therapy at her discretion due to the psychiatric adverse effect (cognitive dysfunction). Seven months later, her shoulder and hip pain relapsed. Furthermore, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) revealed uptake in the descending thoracic aorta, indicating a complication of LVV. She refused to take glucocorticoid for fear of psychiatric adverse effects and chose subcutaneous TCZ monotherapy (162 mg weekly) for treating this life-threatening urgent condition. Nine months later, her shoulder and hip pain resolved and FDG-PET/CT demonstrated no uptake in the descending thoracic aorta, indicating a successful treatment with subcutaneous TCZ monotherapy for the disease. No adverse events and disease relapse were found during observation period. Our case and the literature review suggest that not only intravenous injection but also subcutaneous injection of TCZ monotherapy can serve as an alternative treatment for patients with GCA who have comorbidities or refuse to take glucocorticoid.
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Conticini E, Falsetti P, Fabiani C, Baldi C, Grazzini S, Tosi GM, Cantarini L, Frediani B. Color Doppler Eye Ultrasonography in giant cell arteritis: differential diagnosis between arteritic and non-arteritic sudden blindness. J Ultrasound 2023; 26:313-320. [PMID: 36550390 PMCID: PMC10063765 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-022-00757-1] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Temporal (TA) and axillary (AXA) arteries Color Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS) is the most reliable diagnostic technique for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA), displaying high sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless, CDUS is still poorly performed in the common clinical practice, being employed only by rheumatologists with a relevant expertise in this field. Color Doppler Eye Ultrasound (CDEUS) is a procedure variously employed in ophthalmology and preliminary findings have displayed a possible role also in the diagnostic work-up of GCA. Aim of this study was to assess whether CDEUS may play a role in the differential diagnosis between arteritic and non-arteritic blindness. METHODS We prospectively included all patients evaluated since September 2021 to May 2022 by our Ophthalmology Unit for sudden blindness and referred to our Vasculitis Clinic in the suspicion of GCA. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation, routine blood tests, AxA and TA CDUS and CDEUS. According to the definite diagnosis, patients were divided in the following subgroups: (A) patients suffering from arteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), (B) patients suffering from non-arteritic CRAO, (C) patients suffering from arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), (D) patients suffering from non-arteritic AION. RESULTS During the observational period, we included a total of 25 patients suffering from sudden blindness and referred to Vasculitis Clinic for ruling out GCA. Patients belonging to group A showed no flow or reduced flow within the territory of central retinal artery (CRA), no "spot sign" and positive TA CDUS; on the other hand, patients from group B presented normal TA CDUS, no flow or reduced flow within the territory of CRA and the presence of "spot sign". Conversely, no relevant difference was evidenced at CDEUS in patients with and without arteritic AION. CONCLUSION Our preliminary data displayed a good reliability of CDEUS in distinguishing between arteritic and non-arteritic CRAO, while no difference was assessed between arteritic and non-arteritic AION. Since AION represents the most common presentation of cranial GCA, CDEUS does not seem a reliable procedure in the diagnostic work-up of GCA and should be restricted only to the exclusion of thrombo-embolic occlusions within the territory of central retinal artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Conticini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Falsetti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Fabiani
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Baldi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Grazzini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Tosi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Cantarini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Narváez J, Estrada P, Vidal-Montal P, Sánchez-Rodríguez I, Sabaté-Llobera A, Nolla JM, Cortés-Romera M. Impact of previous glucocorticoid therapy on diagnostic accuracy of [18F] FDG PET-CT in giant cell arteritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 60:152183. [PMID: 36841055 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of prior glucocorticoid (GC) treatment on the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET-CT in giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS Retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of 85 patients with proven GCA who received high-dose GC before PET-CT. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients previously treated with methylprednisolone (MP) boluses, of whom 37% were PET-CT (uptakes grade 3 or 2) positive. The positivity rate was 80% with MP doses of 125 mg, 33% with 250 or 500 mg, and 0% with doses of 1 g. If we also classify as positive those cases with a grade 1 uptake (with a circumferencial uptake and smooth linear or long segmental pattern, possibly indicative of "apparently inactive" vasculitis), the positivity rate increases to 62% (100%, 50-60%, and 33% for the different MP doses, respectively). In patients with new-onset GCA treated with high-dose oral GC, PET-CT positivity was 54.5% in patients treated for less than two weeks, 38.5% in those treated for 2 to 4 weeks, and 25% in those treated for 4 to 6 weeks (increasing to 91%, 77%, and 50%, respectively, if we include cases with grade 1 uptake and these characteristics). In patients with relapsing/refractory GCA, or who developed GCA having a prior history of PMR, PET-CT positivity reached 54% despite long-term treatment with low-to-moderate doses of GC (68% including cases with a grade 1 uptake). CONCLUSION A late 18F-FDG PET-CT (beyond the first 10 days of treatment) can also be informative in a considerable percentage of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Narváez
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - P Estrada
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Sant Joan Despí Moisès Broggi, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Vidal-Montal
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Department of Nuclear Medicine - PET IDI, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Sabaté-Llobera
- Department of Nuclear Medicine - PET IDI, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Nolla
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Cortés-Romera
- Department of Nuclear Medicine - PET IDI, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Burg LC, Karakostas P, Behning C, Brossart P, Kermani TA, Schäfer VS. Prevalence and characteristics of giant cell arteritis in patients with newly diagnosed polymyalgia rheumatica - a prospective cohort study. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2023; 15:1759720X221149963. [PMID: 36777696 PMCID: PMC9909075 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221149963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is known that giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) often occur together. So far, the prevalence of GCA in newly diagnosed PMR patients has not been evaluated in a prospective ultrasound study. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of GCA using vascular ultrasound in patients with newly diagnosed PMR. Design A consecutive cohort of newly diagnosed PMR patients was prospectively evaluated for the presence of GCA with the use of systematic musculoskeletal and vascular ultrasound examination. Methods Overall, 60 patients with newly diagnosed PMR were prospectively enrolled. Symptoms and laboratory findings were collected. All patients underwent ultrasound of shoulder and hip joints, and vascular ultrasound evaluating the facial, temporal, carotid, vertebral and axillary arteries. Patients were diagnosed with GCA if they had ultrasound imaging findings of GCA. Patients with PMR (PMR-group) and patients with PMR and GCA (PMR-GCA-group) were compared, and a C-reactive protein (CRP) cut-off value was evaluated. Results GCA was diagnosed in 28 of 60 PMR patients (46%). The PMR-group consisted of 20 (62.5%) females with a mean age of 69 (±9.9) years, while the PMR-GCA-group consisted of 11 (39.3%) females with a mean age of 74 (±8.4) years. In 13 of 28 patients (46%) in the PMR-GCA-group, GCA was subclinical and only diagnosed by ultrasound. The PMR-GCA-group showed higher values of joint effusion and significantly higher CRP values. A CRP cut-off value of 26.5 mg/litre (reference range 0-5 mg/litre) yielded a sensitivity of 66% with a specificity of 73% for GCA. Conclusion GCA was found in 46% of newly diagnosed PMR patients; 22% of the patients with PMR had asymptomatic GCA. Joint effusions were higher in the PMR-GCA-group, with significant results for the hip joint. A CRP cut-off value of ⩾26.5 mg/litre in PMR can help in the identification of subclinical GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pantelis Karakostas
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Department of Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Charlotte Behning
- Institute of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Department of Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tanaz A. Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Valentin S. Schäfer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Department of Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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27
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Finucci Curi P, Sattler ME, Chaves M. Extensive aortic involvement in giant cell arteritis. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2023; 19:117-118. [PMID: 36064887 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Finucci Curi
- Sección Reumatología, Hospital San Martín, Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina.
| | | | - Marcelo Chaves
- Servicio de Neurología Clínica, Hospital San Martín, Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina
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28
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Large-Vessel Giant Cell Arteritis following COVID-19-What Can HLA Typing Reveal? Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030484. [PMID: 36766589 PMCID: PMC9914619 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030484] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immune-mediated vasculitis that affects large arteries. It has been hypothesized that viruses may trigger inflammation within the vessel walls. Genetic studies on human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) have previously reported HLA-DRB1*04 as a susceptible allele for GCA and HLA-DRB1*15 as a protective allele for GCA. Here, we discuss the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, HLA class I and class II analysis results, and management of patients with extracranial large-vessel (LV) GCA, detected at least six weeks after recovery from COVID-19. This case series encompassed three patients with LV-GCA (two males and a female with an age range of 63-69 years) whose leading clinical presentation included the presence of constitutional symptoms and significantly elevated inflammatory markers. The diagnosis of LV-GCA was confirmed by CT angiography and FDG-PET/CT, revealing inflammation in the large vessels. All were treated with corticosteroids, while two received adjunctive therapy. By analyzing HLA profiles, we found no presence of the susceptible HLA-DRB1*04 allele, while the HLA-DRB1*15 allele was detected in two patients. In conclusion, LV-GCA may be triggered by COVID-19. We highlight the importance of the early identification of LV-GCA following SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may be delayed due to the overlapping clinical features of GCA and COVID-19. The prompt initiation of therapy is necessary in order to avoid severe vascular complications. Future studies will better define the role of specific HLA alleles in patients who developed GCA following COVID-19.
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Vijayaraghavan N, Martin J, Jayawickrama W, Otome O. Atypical giant cell arteritis presentations diagnosed with FDG-18 whole body PET imaging. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e251406. [PMID: 36631167 PMCID: PMC9835878 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251406] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Two male patients aged above 70 years were investigated for chronic non-specific symptoms and evidence of significant systemic inflammation, but without classic 'cranial symptoms' of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Each patient had multiple non-diagnostic investigations, but finally extensive large-vessel vasculitis was revealed by whole body positron emission tomography/CT imaging. Both cases were confirmed to have GCA on temporal artery biopsy and responded well to initial high-dose prednisolone therapy. The patients successfully completed 12 months of steroid-sparing therapy with tocilizumab and achieved remission of their condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimal Vijayaraghavan
- Department of General Medicine, Rockingham General Hospital, Cooloongup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jaye Martin
- Department of General Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Waranga Jayawickrama
- Department of General Medicine, Rockingham General Hospital, Cooloongup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ohide Otome
- Department of General Medicine, St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals, Midland, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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30
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Abstract
Multimodality cardiovascular imaging is an essential component of the clinical management of patients with large-vessel vasculitis (LVV), a chronic, relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the aorta and its major branches. Imaging is needed to confirm the initial diagnosis, to survey the extent and severity of arterial involvement, to screen for cardiovascular complications and for subsequent long-term disease monitoring. Indeed, diagnosing LVV can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of the presenting symptoms, which often evoke a broad differential. Identification of disease flares and persistent residual arteritis following conventional treatments for LVV present additional clinical challenges. However, by identifying and tracking arterial inflammation and injury, multimodality imaging can help direct the use of disease-modifying treatments that suppress inflammation and prevent or slow disease progression. Each of the non-invasive imaging modalities can provide unique and complementary information, contributing to different aspects of the overall clinical assessment. This article provides a focused review of the many roles of multimodality imaging in LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Tarkin
- Section of Cardiorespiratory Medicine, University of Cambridge, Heart & Lung Research Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Deepa Gopalan
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Yamaguchi E, Kadoba K, Watanabe R, Iwasaki T, Kitagori K, Akizuki S, Murakami K, Nakashima R, Hashimoto M, Tanaka M, Morinobu A, Yoshifuji H. Clinical profile and outcome of large-vessel giant cell arteritis in Japanese patients: A single-centre retrospective cohort study. Mod Rheumatol 2023; 33:175-181. [PMID: 35141755 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent advances in imaging revealed that giant cell arteritis (GCA) is frequently associated with large vessel involvement (LVI), but they may also contribute to earlier diagnosis and treatment of LV-GCA. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of GCA with or without LVI and evaluate its association with clinical outcomes. METHOD We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 36 patients with GCA in Kyoto University Hospital. RESULTS Eighteen patients each were assigned to the LVI(+) and LVI(-) groups. Five-year survival rates in the LVI(+) group were better than in the LVI(-) group (p = .034), while five-year relapse-free survival rates were similar between the groups (p = .75). The LVI(+) group required lower doses of glucocorticoid at month 6 (p = .036). Disease activity evaluated with the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score at disease onset was higher in the LVI(-) group (p = .014), and the Vasculitis Damage Index score examined at the last visit was higher in the LVI(-) group (p = .011). CONCLUSION GCA without LVI had more active disease, severer vascular damage, and worse survival, possibly because of ophthalmic complications and their greater glucocorticoid requirement. Our results revisit the impact of cranial manifestations on disease severity and morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriho Yamaguchi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Kadoba
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryu Watanabe
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasaki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Kitagori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuji Akizuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kosaku Murakami
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ran Nakashima
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motomu Hashimoto
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masao Tanaka
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Morinobu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Yoshifuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Performance of Deauville Criteria in [18F]FDG-PET/CT Diagnostics of Giant Cell Arteritis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13010157. [PMID: 36611449 PMCID: PMC9818714 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13010157] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this retrospective study, PET/CT data from 59 patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA) were reviewed using the Deauville criteria to determine an optimal cut-off between PET positivity and negativity. Seventeen standardised vascular regions were analysed per patient by three investigators blinded to clinical information. Statistical analysis included ROC curves with areas under the curve (AUC), Cohen's and Fleiss' kappa (κ) to calculate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and agreement. According to final clinician's diagnosis and the revised 2017 ACR criteria GCA was confirmed in 29 of 59 (49.2 %) patients. With a diagnostic cut-off ≥ 4 (highest tracer uptake of a vessel wall exceeds liver uptake) for PET positivity, all investigators achieved high accuracy (range, 89.8-93.2%) and AUC (range, 0.94-0.97). Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 89.7-96.6% and 83.3-96.7%, respectively. Agreement between the three investigators suggested 'almost perfect agreement' (Fleiss' κ = 0.84) A Deauville score of ≥4 as threshold for PET positivity yielded excellent results with high accuracy and almost perfect inter-rater agreement, suggesting a standardized, reproducible, and reliable score in diagnosing GCA. However, the small sample size and reference standard could lead to biases. Therefore, verification in a multicentre study with a larger patient cohort and prospective setting is needed.
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A study of temporal artery biopsy for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:159-166. [PMID: 36094766 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06371-0] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This large, retrospective, multicenter study examines the Mayo Clinic experience with temporal artery biopsies over an 11-year period to help form guidelines that would lead to optimal performance of the technique. METHODS Pathology records were identified from all patients at all three Mayo Clinic sites (Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; and Scottsdale, AZ) who underwent temporal artery surgery over an 11-year period, from January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2004. From each report, we extracted demographic information, the length of the temporal artery removed in the biopsy from each side, and the pathologic findings in each specimen. We used logistic regression to assess whether biopsy positivity may be associated with the following factors: biopsy length, age, sex, type (unilateral vs. bilateral), and year of study. RESULTS Our data set included 3817 temporal artery biopsies performed on 2539 patients at Mayo Clinic. Overall, 681 patients (27%) had a positive biopsy on at least one side. Biopsy length was uniformly noted to have no significant effect on biopsy positivity. Of the 603 patients with a bilateral biopsy, 43 (7%) had a negative initial biopsy followed by a positive result on the contralateral side. CONCLUSION Our results support that one can recommend any length of biopsy, within the range our study, without affecting the rate of positivity. Furthermore, we conclude that if a unilateral biopsy is negative on frozen section, then we recommend a second biopsy on the contralateral side to avoid possible missed diagnoses. Key Points • Our paper is a large retrospective study over all 3 Mayo Clinic campuses investigating the association between temporal artery biopsy length and the positivity rate of biopsies. • We also determined the value of performing bilateral biopsies in which the first biopsy was negative on frozen section. • We believe the strength of our study is having one of the largest sample sizes of biopsies in the literature to date including 3817 biopsies. • The sum of our research supports that we found biopsy positivity is not a function of length and, second, bilateral biopsies diagnose up to 7% of disease not otherwise picked up by unilateral approaches.
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Farina N, Tomelleri A, Campochiaro C, Dagna L. Giant cell arteritis: Update on clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 107:17-26. [PMID: 36344353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis affecting people older than 50 years. The last decades have shed new light on the clinical paradigm of this condition, expanding its spectrum beyond cranial vessel inflammation. GCA can be now considered a multifaceted vasculitic syndrome encompassing inflammation of cranial and extra-cranial arteries and girdles, isolated or combined. Such heterogeneity often leads to diagnostic delays and increases the likelihood of acute and chronic GCA-related damage. On the other hand, the approach to suspected GCA patients has been revolutionized by the introduction of vascular ultrasound which allows a rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive GCA diagnosis. Likewise, the use of tocilizumab is now part of the therapeutic algorithm of GCA and ensures a satisfactory disease control even in steroid-refractory patients. Nonetheless, some aspects of GCA still need to be clarified, including the clinical correlation of different histological patterns, and the prevention of long-term vascular complications. This narrative review depicts the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of GCA most relevant in clinical practice, with a focus on clinical updates and novelties introduced over the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Farina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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35
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Predictive Factors of Giant Cell Arteritis in Polymyalgia Rheumatica Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11247412. [PMID: 36556036 PMCID: PMC9785629 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11247412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory rheumatism of the shoulder and pelvic girdles. In 16 to 21% of cases, PMR is associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA) that can lead to severe vascular complications. Ruling out GCA in patients with PMR is currently a critical challenge for clinicians. Two GCA phenotypes can be distinguished: cranial GCA (C-GCA) and large vessel GCA (LV-GCA). C-GCA is usually suspected when cranial manifestations (temporal headaches, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, or visual disturbances) occur. Isolated LV-GCA is more difficult to diagnose, due to the lack of specificity of clinical features which can be limited to constitutional symptoms and/or unexplained fever. Furthermore, many studies have demonstrated the existence-in varying proportions-of subclinical GCA in patients with apparently isolated PMR features. In PMR patients, the occurrence of clinical features of C-GCA (new onset temporal headaches, jaw claudication, or abnormality of temporal arteries) are highly predictive of C-GCA. Additionally, glucocorticoids' resistance occurring during follow-up of PMR patients, the occurrence of constitutional symptoms, or acute phase reactants elevation are suggestive of associated GCA. Research into the predictive biomarkers of GCA in PMR patients is critical for selecting PMR patients for whom imaging and/or temporal artery biopsy is necessary. To date, Angiopoietin-2 and MMP-3 are powerful for predicting GCA in PMR patients, but these results need to be confirmed in further cohorts. In this review, we discuss the diagnostic challenges of subclinical GCA in PMR patients and will review the predictive factors of GCA in PMR patients.
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Day J, Lashley D. An unusual cause of stroke. BMJ 2022; 379:e066326. [PMID: 36455938 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-066326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Day
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK
| | - Daniel Lashley
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK
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Grayson PC, Ponte C, Suppiah R, Robson JC, Gribbons KB, Judge A, Craven A, Khalid S, Hutchings A, Danda D, Luqmani RA, Watts RA, Merkel PA, Hill C, Ranganathan D, Kronbichler A, Blockmans D, Barra L, Carette S, Pagnoux C, Dhindsa N, Fifi‐Mah A, Khalidi N, Liang P, Milman N, Pineau C, Tian X, Wang G, Wang T, Zhao M, Tesar V, Baslund B, Hammam N, Shahin A, Pirila L, Putaala J, Hellmich B, Henes J, Holle J, Lamprecht P, Moosig F, Neumann T, Schmidt W, Sunderkoettey C, Szekanecz Z, Danda D, Das S, Gupta R, Rajasekhar L, Sharma A, Wagh S, Clarkson M, Molloy E, Salvarani C, Schiavon F, Tombetti E, Vaglio A, Amano K, Arimura Y, Dobashi H, Fujimoto S, Harigai M, Hirano F, Hirahashi J, Honma S, Kawakami T, Kobayashi S, Kono H, Makino H, Matsui K, Muso E, Suzuki K, Ikeda K, Takeuchi T, Tsukamoto T, Uchida S, Wada T, Yamada H, Yamagata K, Yumura W, Lai KS, Flores‐Suarez LF, Hinojosa‐Azaola A, Rutgers B, Tak P, Grainger R, Quincey V, Stamp L, Suppiah R, Besada E, Diamantopoulos A, Sznajd J, Azevedo E, Geraldes R, Rodrigues M, Santos E, Song Y, Moiseev S, Hočevar A, Cid MC, Moreno XS, Atukorala I, Berglin E, Mohammed A, Segelmark M, Daikeler T, Direskeneli H, Hatemi G, Kamali S, Karadağ Ö, Pehlevan S, Adler M, Basu N, Bruce I, Chakravarty K, Dasgupta B, Flossmann O, Gendi N, Hassan A, Hoyles R, Jayne D, Jones C, Klocke R, Lanyon P, Laversuch C, Luqmani R, Robson J, Magliano M, Mason J, Maw WW, McInnes I, Mclaren J, Morgan M, Morgan A, Mukhtyar C, O'Riordan E, Patel S, Peall A, Robson J, Venkatachalam S, Vermaak E, Menon A, Watts R, Yee C, Albert D, Calabrese L, Chung S, Forbess L, Gaffo A, Gewurz‐Singer O, Grayson P, Liang K, Matteson E, Merkel PA, Rhee R, Springer J, Sreih A. 2022 American College of Rheumatology/EULAR Classification Criteria for Takayasu Arteritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:1872-1880. [PMID: 36349501 DOI: 10.1002/art.42324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and validate new classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHODS Patients with vasculitis or comparator diseases were recruited into an international cohort. The study proceeded in 6 phases: 1) identification of candidate criteria items, 2) collection of candidate items present at diagnosis, 3) expert panel review of cases, 4) data-driven reduction of candidate items, 5) derivation of a points-based classification score in a development data set, and 6) validation in an independent data set. RESULTS The development data set consisted of 316 cases of TAK and 323 comparators. The validation data set consisted of an additional 146 cases of TAK and 127 comparators. Age ≤60 years at diagnosis and imaging evidence of large-vessel vasculitis were absolute requirements to classify a patient as having TAK. The final criteria items and weights were as follows: female sex (+1), angina (+2), limb claudication (+2), arterial bruit (+2), reduced upper extremity pulse (+2), reduced pulse or tenderness of a carotid artery (+2), blood pressure difference between arms of ≥20 mm Hg (+1), number of affected arterial territories (+1 to +3), paired artery involvement (+1), and abdominal aorta plus renal or mesenteric involvement (+3). A patient could be classified as having TAK with a cumulative score of ≥5 points. When these criteria were tested in the validation data set, the model area under the curve was 0.97 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.94-0.99) with a sensitivity of 93.8% (95% CI 88.6-97.1%) and specificity of 99.2% (95% CI 96.7-100.0%). CONCLUSION The 2022 American College of Rheumatology/EULAR classification criteria for TAK are now validated for use in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Grayson
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Department of Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, and Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Centro Acadámico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ravi Suppiah
- Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna C Robson
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, University of the West of England, and Rheumatology Department, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Katherine Bates Gribbons
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Andrew Judge
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK, and National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anthea Craven
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sara Khalid
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Hutchings
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debashish Danda
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raashid A Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard A Watts
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, and Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Lyne SA, Ruediger C, Lester S, Chapman PT, Shanahan EM, Hill CL, Stamp L. Giant cell arteritis: A population-based retrospective cohort study exploring incidence and clinical presentation in Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1057917. [PMID: 36482913 PMCID: PMC9723338 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1057917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM To determine the epidemiology and clinical features of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand, with a particular focus on extra-cranial large vessel disease. METHODS Patients with GCA were identified from radiology and pathology reports, outpatient letters and inpatient hospital admissions in the Canterbury New Zealand from 1 June 2011 to 31 May 2016. Data was collected retrospectively based on review of electronic medical records. RESULTS There were 142 cases of GCA identified. 65.5% of cases were female with a mean age of 74.2 years. The estimated population incidence for biopsy-proven GCA was 10.5 per 100,000 people over the age of 50 and incidence peaked between 80 and 84 years of age. 10/142 (7%) people were diagnosed with large vessel GCA, often presenting with non-specific symptoms and evidence of vascular insufficiency including limb claudication, vascular bruits, blood pressure and pulse discrepancy, or cerebrovascular accident. Those with limited cranial GCA were more likely to present with the cardinal clinical features of headache and jaw claudication. Patients across the two groups were treated similarly, but those with large vessel disease had greater long-term steroid burden. Rates of aortic complication were low across both groups, although available follow-up data was limited. CONCLUSION This study is the first of its kind to describe the clinical characteristics of large vessel GCA in a New Zealand cohort. Despite small case numbers, two distinct subsets of disease were recognized, differentiating patients with cranial and large vessel disease. Our results suggest that utilization of an alternative diagnostic and therapeutic approach may be needed to manage patients with large vessel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suellen A. Lyne
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carlee Ruediger
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susan Lester
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Peter T. Chapman
- Department of Rheumatology, Te Whatu Ora Waitematā, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ernst Michael Shanahan
- Department of Rheumatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Catherine L. Hill
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa Stamp
- Department of Rheumatology, Te Whatu Ora Waitematā, Christchurch, New Zealand
- School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Grayson PC, Ponte C, Suppiah R, Robson JC, Gribbons KB, Judge A, Craven A, Khalid S, Hutchings A, Danda D, Luqmani RA, Watts RA, Merkel PA. 2022 American College of Rheumatology/EULAR classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1654-1660. [PMID: 36351705 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo develop and validate new classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis (TAK).MethodsPatients with vasculitis or comparator diseases were recruited into an international cohort. The study proceeded in six phases: (1) identification of candidate criteria items, (2) collection of candidate items present at diagnosis, (3) expert panel review of cases, (4) data‐driven reduction of candidate items, (5) derivation of a points‐based classification score in a development data set and (6) validation in an independent data set.ResultsThe development data set consisted of 316 cases of TAK and 323 comparators. The validation data set consisted of an additional 146 cases of TAK and 127 comparators. Age ≤60 years at diagnosis and imaging evidence of large‐vessel vasculitis were absolute requirements to classify a patient as having TAK. The final criteria items and weights were as follows: female sex (+1), angina (+2), limb claudication (+2), arterial bruit (+2), reduced upper extremity pulse (+2), reduced pulse or tenderness of a carotid artery (+2), blood pressure difference between arms of ≥20 mm Hg (+1), number of affected arterial territories (+1 to +3), paired artery involvement (+1) and abdominal aorta plus renal or mesenteric involvement (+3). A patient could be classified as having TAK with a cumulative score of ≥5 points. When these criteria were tested in the validation data set, the model area under the curve was 0.97 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.99) with a sensitivity of 93.8% (95% CI 88.6% to 97.1%) and specificity of 99.2% (95% CI 96.7% to 100.0%).ConclusionThe 2022 American College of Rheumatology/EULAR classification criteria for TAK are now validated for use in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Grayson
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Department of Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ravi Suppiah
- Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna C Robson
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Katherine Bates Gribbons
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Judge
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anthea Craven
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sara Khalid
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Hutchings
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debashish Danda
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raashid A Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard A Watts
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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[18F]FDG PET/CT in Large Vessel Vasculitis: The Impact of Expertise and Confounders on Image Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112717. [DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diagnosis of vasculitis is challenging. To avoid invasive approaches, clinical guidelines recommend the use of diagnostic imaging. This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) position emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in large vessel vasculitis (LVV) and how this is affected by inter-operator variability. Methods: A total of 279 patients who performed [18F]-FDG PET/CT for suspicion of LVV were retrospectively analyzed. We tested the qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis and parameters influencing image quality and interpretation. Exams were evaluated by two readers with different experience and their performance was compared. Results: LVV diagnosis was confirmed in 81 patients. [18F]-FDG PET/CT accuracy was 73% and 67% for the expert reader and less experienced reader, respectively. The expert reader overall performed better than the less experienced one, with higher accuracy in patients with normal BMI (77.3 vs. 63.8%), normal level of glycemia (73.3 vs. 65%), younger age (76.6 vs. 68.2%), and when no therapy was in course at time of imaging (76.7 vs. 66.7%). The diagnostic performance of both readers did not improve using semi-quantitative parameters. Conclusions: We confirmed the appropriateness of the recommended criteria for image acquisition and interpretation, underlining the importance of experience in image interpretation for the optimal diagnostic performance of [18F]FDG PET/CT in vasculitis.
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Katz G, Wallace ZS. Environmental Triggers for Vasculitis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2022; 48:875-890. [PMID: 36333001 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic vasculitides are autoimmune diseases characterized by vascular inflammation. Most types of vasculitis are thought to result from antigen exposure in genetically susceptible individuals, suggesting a likely role for environmental triggers in these conditions. Seasonal and geographic variations in incidence provide insight into the potential role of environmental exposures in these diseases. Many data support infectious triggers in some vasculitides, whereas other studies have identified noninfectious triggers, such as airborne pollutants, silica, smoking, and heavy metals. We review the known and suspected environmental triggers in giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Katz
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Bulfinch 165, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Zachary S Wallace
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Bosch P, Dejaco C, Schmidt W, Schlüter K, Pregartner G, Schäfer VS. Association of ultrasound-confirmed axillary artery vasculitis and clinical outcomes in giant cell arteritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 56:152051. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ishizuka DK, Katayama K, Ohira Y. Giant cell arteritis presenting with chronic cough and headache after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. QJM 2022; 115:621-622. [PMID: 35818985 PMCID: PMC9384497 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Drs K Ishizuka
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1, Sugao, Miyamae, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan.
| | - K Katayama
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1, Sugao, Miyamae, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
| | - Y Ohira
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1, Sugao, Miyamae, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan.
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López-Gloria K, Castrejón I, Nieto-González JC, Rodríguez-Merlos P, Serrano-Benavente B, González CM, Monteagudo Sáez I, González T, Álvaro-Gracia JM, Molina-Collada J. Ultrasound intima media thickness cut-off values for cranial and extracranial arteries in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:981804. [PMID: 36091695 PMCID: PMC9459085 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.981804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the optimal ultrasound (US) cut-off values for cranial and extracranial arteries intima media thickness (IMT) to discriminate between patients with and without giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods Retrospective observational study including patients referred to an US fast-track clinic. All patients underwent bilateral US examination of the cranial and extracranial arteries including the IMT measurement. Clinical confirmation of GCA after 6 months was considered the gold standard for diagnosis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to select the cut-off values on the basis of the best tradeoff values between sensitivity and specificity. Results A total of 157 patients were included, 47 (29.9%) with clinical confirmation of GCA after 6 months. 41 (87.2%) of patients with GCA had positive US findings (61.7% had cranial and 44.7% extracranial involvement). The best threshold IMT values were 0.44 mm for the common temporal artery; 0.34 mm for the frontal branch; 0.36 mm for the parietal branch; 1.1 mm for the carotid artery and 1 mm for the subclavian and axillary arteries. The areas under the ROC curves were greater for axillary arteries 0.996 (95% CI 0.991–1), for parietal branch 0.991 (95% CI 0.980–1), for subclavian 0.990 (95% CI 0.979–1), for frontal branch 0.989 (95% CI 0.976–1), for common temporal artery 0.984 (95% CI 0.959–1) and for common carotid arteries 0.977 (95% CI 0.961–0.993). Conclusion IMT cut-off values have been identified for each artery. These proposed IMT cut-off values may help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of US in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerine López-Gloria
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Castrejón
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Nieto-González
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Rodríguez-Merlos
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Serrano-Benavente
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Manuel González
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Indalecio Monteagudo Sáez
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa González
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Álvaro-Gracia
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Molina-Collada
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Juan Molina-Collada,
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Mahjoub Y, McKenzie ED, Raouf S, Almekhlafi M. Progressive Vertebrobasilar Vasculopathy and Stroke Secondary to Giant Cell Arteritis. Stroke 2022; 53:e435-e438. [PMID: 35968704 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.039503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasamin Mahjoub
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erica D McKenzie
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Saher Raouf
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed Almekhlafi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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[Granulomatous vasculitides and vasculitides with extravascular granulomatosis]. Z Rheumatol 2022; 81:558-566. [PMID: 35962194 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-022-01249-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Vasculitides are inflammatory diseases of blood vessels caused by autoimmune or infectious processes, which are associated with alterations and destruction of the vascular wall. From a histopathological point of view, granulomatous vasculitides can be distinguished from necrotizing vasculitides with respect to the pattern of inflammation. Granulomatous vasculitides are characterized by intramural, predominantly lymphohistiocytic infiltrates with the formation of giant cells. They include giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). By contrast, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) belongs to the group of necrotizing vasculitides. AAV includes granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). In addition to systemic necrotizing small vessel vasculitis, GPA and EGPA are characterized by extravascular granulomatous necrotizing inflammation mainly affecting the upper and/or lower respiratory tract, in EGPA with eosinophilic infiltrates. These granulomatous lesions are part of the autoimmune process and associated with tissue damage.
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Estupiñán-Moreno E, Ortiz-Fernández L, Li T, Hernández-Rodríguez J, Ciudad L, Andrés-León E, Terron-Camero LC, Prieto-González S, Espígol-Frigolé G, Cid MC, Márquez A, Ballestar E, Martín J. Methylome and transcriptome profiling of giant cell arteritis monocytes reveals novel pathways involved in disease pathogenesis and molecular response to glucocorticoids. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1290-1300. [PMID: 35705375 PMCID: PMC9380516 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-222156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a complex systemic vasculitis mediated by the interplay between both genetic and epigenetic factors. Monocytes are crucial players of the inflammation occurring in GCA. Therefore, characterisation of the monocyte methylome and transcriptome in GCA would be helpful to better understand disease pathogenesis. METHODS We performed an integrated epigenome-and transcriptome-wide association study in CD14+ monocytes from 82 patients with GCA, cross-sectionally classified into three different clinical statuses (active, in remission with or without glucocorticoid (GC) treatment), and 31 healthy controls. RESULTS We identified a global methylation and gene expression dysregulation in GCA monocytes. Specifically, monocytes from active patients showed a more proinflammatory phenotype compared with healthy controls and patients in remission. In addition to inflammatory pathways known to be involved in active GCA, such as response to IL-6 and IL-1, we identified response to IL-11 as a new pathway potentially implicated in GCA. Furthermore, monocytes from patients in remission with treatment showed downregulation of genes involved in inflammatory processes as well as overexpression of GC receptor-target genes. Finally, we identified changes in DNA methylation correlating with alterations in expression levels of genes with a potential role in GCA pathogenesis, such as ITGA7 and CD63, as well as genes mediating the molecular response to GC, including FKBP5, ETS2, ZBTB16 and ADAMTS2. CONCLUSION Our results revealed profound alterations in the methylation and transcriptomic profiles of monocytes from GCA patients, uncovering novel genes and pathways involved in GCA pathogenesis and in the molecular response to GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkyn Estupiñán-Moreno
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Lourdes Ortiz-Fernández
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Tianlu Li
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Hernández-Rodríguez
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Ciudad
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Andrés-León
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Carmen Terron-Camero
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Sergio Prieto-González
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Georgina Espígol-Frigolé
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Cinta Cid
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Márquez
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Hospital Clinico San Cecilio, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Martín
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
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Macaluso F, Marvisi C, Castrignanò P, Pipitone N, Salvarani C. Comparing treatment options for large vessel vasculitis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:793-805. [PMID: 35714219 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2092098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are the major forms of large vessel vasculitis (LVV).Glucocorticoids represent the cornerstone of LVV treatment, however, relapses and recurrences frequently occur when they are tapered or stopped, determining a prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids and a subsequent increased risk of glucocorticoid-related side effects. Therefore, conventional and biologic immunosuppressive drugs have been proposed to obtain a glucocorticoid-sparing effect. AREAS COVERED We searched PubMed® using the keywords "giant cell arteritis/drug therapy" and "Takayasu Arteritis/drug therapy" OR "Takayasu Arteritis/surgery". This review focuses on the management of LVV, based on the current evidence while highlighting the differences in terms of therapeutic management of TAK and GCA. EXPERT OPINION Conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate or azathioprine, are recommended in association to glucocorticoids for selected GCA and all TAK patients. Two randomized placebo-controlled trials recently demonstrated the efficacy of tocilizumab in reducing relapses and cumulative prednisone dosage in GCA patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing disease. Observational evidence and two small randomized controlled trials support the use of TNF-alpha inhibitors and tocilizumab as glucocorticoid-sparing agents in relapsing TAK, albeit high-quality evidence regarding the management of TAK is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Macaluso
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Università della Campania L Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Marvisi
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Castrignanò
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicolò Pipitone
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Bouffard MA, Prasad S, Unizony S, Costello F. Does Tocilizumab Influence Ophthalmic Outcomes in Giant Cell Arteritis? J Neuroophthalmol 2022; 42:173-179. [PMID: 35482901 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite appropriate use of corticosteroids, an important minority of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) develop progressive vision loss during the initial stages of the disease or during corticosteroid tapering. Tocilizumab is the only clearly effective adjunctive treatment to corticosteroids in the management of GCA, but questions regarding its efficacy specifically in the neuro-ophthalmic population and its role in mitigating vision loss have not been broached until recently. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The authors queried Pubmed using the search terms "GCA" and "tocilizumab" in order to identify English-language publications either explicitly designed to evaluate the influence of tocilizumab on the ophthalmic manifestations of GCA or those which reported, but were not primarily focused on, ophthalmic outcomes. RESULTS Recent retrospective analyses of populations similar to those encountered in neuro-ophthalmic practice suggest that tocilizumab is effective in decreasing the frequency of GCA relapse, the proportion of flares involving visual manifestations of GCA, and the likelihood of permanent vision loss. Data regarding the utility of tocilizumab to curtail vision loss at the time of diagnosis are limited to case reports. CONCLUSIONS Compared with conventional corticosteroid monotherapy, treatment of GCA with both corticosteroids and tocilizumab may decrease the likelihood of permanent vision loss. Further prospective, collaborative investigation between rheumatologists and neuro-ophthalmologists is required to clarify the ophthalmic and socioeconomic impact of tocilizumab on the treatment of GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Bouffard
- Department of Neurology (MAB), Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology (SP), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine (SU), Division of Rheumatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Evangelatos G, Grivas A, Pappa M, Kouna K, Iliopoulos A, Fragoulis GE. Cranial giant cell arteritis mimickers: A masquerade to unveil. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103083. [PMID: 35341973 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large-vessel vasculitis that affects cranial and extra-cranial arteries. Extra-cranial GCA presents mainly with non-specific symptoms and the differential diagnosis is very broad, while the cranial form has more typical clinical picture and physicians have a lower threshold for diagnosis and treatment. Although temporal artery biopsy (TAB) has an established role, ultrasound (US) is being increasingly used as the first-line imaging modality in suspected GCA. Vasculitides (especially ANCA-associated), hematological disorders (mainly amyloidosis), neoplasms, infections, atherosclerosis and local disorders can affect the temporal arteries or might mimic the symptoms of cranial GCA and produce US and TAB findings that resemble those of temporal vasculitis. Given that prompt diagnosis is essential and proper treatment varies significantly among these diseases, in this review we aimed to collectively present disorders that can masquerade cranial GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Evangelatos
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Alexandros Grivas
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Pappa
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Kouna
- Rheumatology Department, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital (NIMTS), Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios Iliopoulos
- Rheumatology Department, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital (NIMTS), Athens, Greece
| | - George E Fragoulis
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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