Recent advances in Takayasu arteritis

Epidemiology of large vasculitis in Shanghai, China: A 10-year multicenter hospital-based study and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are two major large vessel vasculitis, with varied epidemiology by geographical location, age, and race. However, the epidemiological data in Chinese population is rarely reported. This study estimated the epidemiology of TAK and GCA in Shanghainese individuals residing in China over a 10-year period.

METHODS

TAK data for individuals over 16 years and GCA data for individuals over 50 years were retrieved from 38 comprehensive hospitals in Shanghai, China through the electronic medical record systems between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. A systematic literature review was performed to determine the global distribution of TAK and GCA by searching PubMed, Ovid-Medline, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Web of Science.

RESULTS

In 173 identified TAK cases (67% females; mean age, 46 ± 15 years), the period prevalence was 11.72 cases per million, and the mean annual incidence was 1.33 cases per million. The highest prevalence (17.74 cases per million) and incidence (1.71 cases per million) were observed in the 16- to 34-year-old age group. In 92 identified GCA cases (56% females; age, >50 years), the period prevalence was 2.73 cases per 100 000 persons, and the mean annual incidence was 1.91 cases per 100 000 persons. Meta-analysis of the incidence study of TAK and GCA showed that the pooled incidence rate of TAK and GCA was 1.29 per million and 15.48 per 100 000 person-years, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of TAK was significantly higher in Asia than in other regions, while the incidence of GCA was higher in Europe, especially North Europe.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiological patterns of TAK and GCA were comprehensively mapped globally and locally, in Shanghai, China.

[Takayasu arteritis after COVID-19 infection in a 26-year-old female patient with Crohn's disease]

Extraintestinal manifestations, e.g. of the skin, joints or liver, are frequently found in Crohn's disease. We report about a 26-year-old female patient with longstanding Crohn's disease, who was admitted to our hospital with suspicion of an acute attack with suggestive symptoms and increased significantly inflammatory parameters. Shortly before, symptomatic COVID-19 disease (SARS-CoV-2 variant omicron) had been made. Comprehensive endoscopic and imaging diagnostics ruled out active Crohn's disease. However, inflammatory thickening of the aortic arch was seen, and a diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis (type II b) was made. Steroid therapy resulted in a rapid and sustained improvement of clinical symptoms. The occurrence of Takayasu arteritis is extremely rare outside Japan. An coincidence has been described in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and is discussed as a possible extraintestinal manifestation. The occurrence of immune-mediated disease after COVID-19 disease has been described and may be triggered by the infection. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may represent a special risk population.

Anti-integrin αvβ6 antibody in Takayasu arteritis patients with or without ulcerative colitis

Background

It has been well documented that Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and ulcerative colitis (UC) coexist in the same patients. HLA-B*52 characterizes the co-occurrence, which is one of the common genetic features between these two diseases, indicating shared underlying pathologic mechanisms. Anti-integrin αvβ6 antibody (Ab) is present in sera of UC patients in a highly specific manner. We investigated if there were any associations between anti-integrin αvβ6 Ab and TAK, considering the risk HLA alleles.

Methods

A total of 227 Japanese TAK patients were recruited in the current study and their serum samples were subjected to measurement of anti-integrin αvβ6 Ab by ELISA. The clinical information, including the co-occurrence of UC, was collected. The HLA allele carrier status was determined by Luminex or genotype imputation.

Results

The information about the presence of UC was available for 165 patients, among which eight (4.84%) patients had UC. Anti-integrin αvβ6 antibody was identified in 7 out of 8 TAK subjects with UC (87.5%) while only 5 out of 157 (3.18%) TAK subjects without UC had the antibody (OR 121, p=7.46×10-8). A total of 99 out of 218 (45.4%) patients were HLA-B*52 carriers. There was no significant association between the presence of anti-integrin αvβ6 Ab and HLA-B*52 carrier status in those without UC (OR 2.01, 95% CI 0.33-12.4, p = 0.189).

Conclusions

The prevalence of anti-integrin αvβ6 Ab was high in TAK patients with UC, but not in the absence of concomitant UC. The effect of HLA-B*52 on anti-integrin αvβ6 Ab production would be minimal.

Interleukin 6 Levels and Disease Activity in Takayasu Arteritis: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Various studies have suggested interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a potential biomarker for detecting disease activity in Takayasu arteritis.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess differences in IL-6 levels in patients with active (aTA) and inactive Takayasu arteritis (iTA), as well as healthy controls (HCs), using validated activity scores. Study quality and the risk of bias were assessed using STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and the Newcastle-Ottawa and Joanna Briggs checklist, respectively. For the meta-analysis, we pooled the raw mean IL-6 levels in each group and then estimated and pooled the crude mean differences between the groups. We applied a random-effects model in all analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 93 eligible articles, 10 were included after removing duplicates and studies that met the exclusion criteria. Overall, 1825 patients with a mean age ranging from 24 to 40.6 years were included. The pooled levels of IL-6 increased depending on disease activity as follows: HCs: 3.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-5.28), iTA: 7.21 (3.61-10.82), and aTA: 22.67 (12.44-32.91) pg/mL. Patients with aTA had higher IL-6 levels than HCs (21.52 [95% CI, -0.43 to 43.47]) and those with iTA (16.69 [95% CI, 5.32-28.06]), whereas IL-6 levels were not different between HCs and patients with iTA (3.62 [95% CI, -13.18 to 20.42]).

CONCLUSIONS

Interleukin 6 levels are significantly increased in patients with aTA compared with those with iTA and HCs but not in patients with iTA compared with HCs. More studies are needed to establish the IL-6 cutoff value for assessing disease activity.

Comparative Efficacy of Secukinumab Versus Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors for the Treatment of Takayasu Arteritis

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and interleukin-17 (IL-17) are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of Takayasu arteritis (TAK), and TNF inhibitors (TNFi) are recommended for the treatment of TAK. The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of secukinumab, an IL-17A monoclonal antibody, compared to treatment with TNFi.

METHODS

This was a prospective, single-center, open-label cohort study. Patients with active TAK who did not respond to treatment with glucocorticoids combined with 2 immunosuppressive agents were treated with either secukinumab or TNFi as an add-on therapy without an increased dosage of glucocorticoids. A complete response was defined as complete resolution of signs and symptoms of active disease, normal values of inflammatory markers, no progression on imaging of involved arteries, and dose of glucocorticoid <15 mg/day. A partial response was similarly defined as a complete response except with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate <40 mm/hour and C-reactive protein level of <20 mg/liter.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients in the secukinumab group and 34 patients in the TNFi group were enrolled. The demographic data and inflammatory markers of the 2 groups were comparable at baseline. Complete response and partial response for patients treated with secukinumab and TNFi were 31.6% and 58.8% (P = 0.057), respectively, at 3 months and 52.6% and 64.7%, respectively, at 6 months (P = 0.389).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that secukinumab and TNFi are effective for patients with TAK who do not respond to oral glucocorticoids and conventional immunosuppressive agents, with similar response rates at 3 and 6 months.

Immunological Control of HIV-1 Disease Progression by Rare Protective HLA Allele

HLA-B57 is a relatively rare allele around world and the strongest protective HLA allele in Caucasians and African black individuals infected with HIV-1. Previous studies suggested that the advantage of this allele in HIV-1 disease progression is due to a strong functional ability of HLA-B57-restricted Gag-specific T cells and lower fitness of mutant viruses selected by the T cells.

Cerebrovascular Ischemic Events in Patients With Takayasu Arteritis

BACKGROUND

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis that may complicate with cerebrovascular ischemic events. The objective was to describe clinical and vascular features of TA patients with cerebrovascular ischemic events and to identify risk factors for these events.

METHODS

We analyzed the prevalence and type of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), factors associated with cerebrovascular ischemic events, and stroke-free survival in a large cohort fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology or Ishikawa criteria of TA.

RESULTS

Among 320 patients with TA (median age at diagnosis, 36 [25-47] years; 261 [86%] women), 63 (20%) had a stroke (n=41; 65%) or TIA (n=22; 35%). Ischemic event localized in the carotid territory for 55 (87%) patients and the vertebral artery territory in 8 (13%) patients. Multiple stenosis were observed in 33 (52%) patients with a median number of stenosis of 2 (minimum, 0 to maximum, 11), and aneurysms were observed in 10 (16%) patients. A history of stroke or TIA before TA diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 4.50 [2.45-8.17]; P<0.0001), smoking (HR, 1.75 [1.01-3.02]; P=0.05), myocardial infarction history (HR, 0.21 [0.05-0.89]; P=0.039), thoracic aorta involvement (HR, 2.05 [1.30-3.75]; P=0.023), time from first symptoms to diagnosis >1 year (HR, 2.22 [1.30-3.80]; P=0.005), and aspirin treatment (HR, 1.82 [1.04-3.19]; P=0.035) were associated with cerebrovascular ischemic event. In multivariate analysis, time from first symptoms to TA diagnosis >1 year (HR, 2.16 [1.27-3.70]; P=0.007) was independently associated with cerebrovascular ischemic events in patients with TA. The HR for cerebrovascular ischemic event in patients who already experienced a stroke/TIA was 5.11 (2.91-8.99; P<0.0001), compared with those who had not.

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid stroke/TIA is frequent in TA. We identified factors associated with cerebrovascular ischemic events.

Global epidemiology of vasculitis

The many forms of vasculitis are characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, leading to potentially long-term sequelae including vision loss, aneurysm formation and kidney failure. Accurate estimation of the incidence and prevalence has been hampered by the absence of reliable diagnostic criteria and the rarity of these conditions; however, much progress has been made over the past two decades, although data are still lacking from many parts of the world including the Indian subcontinent, China, Africa and South America. Giant cell arteritis occurs in those aged 50 years and over and seems to mainly affect persons of northern European ancestry, whereas Takayasu arteritis occurs mainly in those aged under 40 years. By contrast, Kawasaki disease mainly occurs in children aged under 5 years and is most common in children of Asian ancestry, and IgA vasculitis occurs in children and adolescents. Although much less common than giant cell arteritis, the different forms of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis are being increasingly recognized in most populations and occur more frequently with increasing age. Behçet syndrome occurs most commonly along the ancient silk road between Europe and China. Much work needs to be done to better understand the influence of ethnicity, geographical location, environment and social factors on the development of vasculitis.

Clinical Features and Risk Factors for Active Tuberculosis in Takayasu Arteritis: A Single-Center Case-Control Study

Backgrounds

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a chronic, granulomatous vasculitis correlated with tuberculosis (TB). The two diseases share similar pathological characteristics and clinical manifestations which increase the difficulty to diagnose. Active tuberculosis (ATB) has implications for treatment strategies in TAK patients. Therefore, the investigation of clinical features and potential risk factors of ATB in TAK patients is vital.

Methods

The study reviewed hospitalized patients diagnosed with TAK in our hospital from 2008, to 2021. TAK patients with ATB were enrolled as the case group. The control group was randomly selected in a 3:1 ratio. The clinical characteristics of TAK patients with and without ATB were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for ATB in TAK patients.

Results

We reviewed 1,789 patients and ultimately identified 30 (1.7%) ATB cases. TAK patients with ATB were more prone to develop symptoms including fever (p=0.001), fatigue (p=0.003), cough (p=0.037), expectoration (p<0.001), weight loss (p=0.003), and night sweating (p<0.001). Increased level of hypersensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP, p=0.001), decreased level of albumin (p=0.031), and higher positive rate of T-SPOT.TB test (p<0.001) were observed in the case group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that hsCRP >8 mg/L (OR 9.108; 95% CI, 1.096-75.711; p=0.041) and positive T-SPOT.TB result (OR 68.669; 95% CI, 7.291-646.738; p<0.001) were risk factors for ATB in TAK patients. The proportion of patients undergoing subsequent surgery for Takayasu arteritis was lower in patients with ATB (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our study suggested that the diagnosis of ATB should be considered when TAK patients experienced symptoms including fever, fatigue, weight loss, etc. hsCRP >8 mg/L and positive T-SPOT.TB result were identified as independent risk factors for ATB in TAK patients.

Epidemiology of Takayasu arteritis in Shanghai: A hospital-based study and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare large vessel vasculitis, and epidemiological data on TAK are lacking in China. Thus, we designed this study to estimate the TAK prevalence and incidence in residential Shanghai, China.

METHODS

Data on diagnosed TAK cases aged over 16 years were retrieved from 22 tertiary hospitals in Shanghai through hospital electronic medical record systems between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 to estimate the prevalence and incidence. A systematic literature review based on searches in PubMed, Ovid-Medline, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was performed to summarize TAK distribution across the world.

RESULTS

In total 102 TAK patients, with 64% female, were identified. The point prevalence (2015-2017) was 7.01 (95% CI 5.65-8.37) cases per million, and the mean annual incidence was 2.33 (1.97-3.21) cases per million. The average age of TAK patients was 44 ± 16 years, with the highest prevalence (11.59 [9.23-19.50] cases per million) and incidence (3.55 [0.72 3.74] cases per million) in the 16 to 34 years population. Seventeen reports were included in the system review, showing that the epidemiology of TAK varied greatly across the world. The incidence and prevalence were both relatively higher in Asian countries, with the prevalence ranging 3.3-40 cases per million and annual incidence ranging 0.34-2.4 cases per million.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and incidence of TAK in Shanghai was at moderate to high levels among the previous reports. The disease burden varied globally among racial populations.

A susceptibility locus in the IL12B but not LILRA3 region is associated with vascular damage in Takayasu arteritis

HLA-B*52 is an established genetic factor in Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL12B (rs6871626) and LILRA3 (rs103294) were newly identified as non-HLA susceptibility loci in TAK. Here, we examined how these SNPs contribute to clinical characteristics and vascular damage in TAK. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 99 TAK patients enrolled in our previous genome-wide association study, and whose genotypes for IL12B rs6871626, LILRA3 rs103294, and HLA-B*52 were available. Incidence of aortic regurgitation (AR) was significantly associated with the A allele (risk allele) of IL12B rs6871626 (CC 42%, AC 61%, AA 81%; p = 0.0052; odds ratio [OR] 2.45), as well as with the incidence of hypertension (p = 0.049; OR 1.82) and the proportion of patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (p = 0.023; OR 3.64). Regarding vascular damage, there was positive correlation between the Takayasu Arteritis Damage Score and the A allele of IL12B rs6871626 (CC 3.42 ± 2.71, AC 4.06 ± 3.25, AA 6.00 ± 2.81; p = 0.0035; β = 1.35) and between the Vasculitis Damage Index and the A allele (CC 3.47 ± 1.98, AC 4.33 ± 2.40, AA 5.37 ± 2.22; p = 0.0054; β = 0.96). Contrarily, no correlation was found between LILRA3 rs103294 and vascular damage. In the present study, IL12B rs6871626 was associated with vascular damage in TAK, whereas LILRA3 rs103294 was not. Genotyping of IL12B rs6871626 may help to identify patients at risk of disease progression.

Polymorphisms in TNFAIP3, but not in STAT4, BANK1, BLK, and TNFSF4, are associated with susceptibility to Takayasu arteritis

BACKGROUND

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is considered a rare disease characterized by nonspecific inflammation of the large arteries, especially the aorta and its major branches. Because TAK is an autoimmune disease (AD), it could share susceptibility loci with other pathologies such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), among others. Widely explored polymorphisms in non-HLA genes, including TNFAIP3, STAT4, TNFSF4, BANK1, and BLK have been consistently associated with both SLE and RA, but they have not been evaluated in TAK.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate whether TNFAIP3, STAT4, BANK1, BLK, and TNFSF4 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to TAK.

METHODS

The TNFAIP3 rs2230926T/G and rs5029924C/T, STAT4 rs7574865G/T, BANK1 10516487G/A, BLK rs2736340T/C, rs13277113A/G, and TNFS4 rs2205960G/T polymorphisms were genotyped in 101 cases and 276 controls by using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. An association analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The TNFAIP3 rs2230926T/G and rs5029924C/T polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium and turned out to be risk factors for TAK (OR = 4.88, p = 0.0001). The STAT4, BANK1, BLK, and TNFSF4 polymorphisms were not associated with the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study documenting an association of TNFAIP3 rs2230926T/G and rs5029924C/T with TAK. Our results provide new information on the genetic bases of TAK.

The feasible maintenance dose of corticosteroid in Takayasu arteritis in the era of biologic therapy

Objective: Although biologic agents are used in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), corticosteroids are still the mainstay of treatment. This study aimed to investigate the feasible maintenance dose of prednisolone (PSL) in the biologic therapy era.Method: We enrolled 93 patients with TAK who satisfied the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology and visited our department from 2008 to 2018. The clinical characteristics and PSL dose of the patients were retrospectively evaluated.Results: The mean ± sd maintenance dose of PSL was 5.0 ± 3.0 mg/day. In patients having TAK for > 20 years, PSL discontinuation and drug-free status were achieved in 27.2% and 18%, respectively. Although tapering the PSL dose to 10 mg/day was achieved within 12 months, tapering to 5 mg/day required 10 years. Relapse significantly interfered with the PSL dose reduction. The clinical characteristics of patients with relapse included a lower rate of combination therapy using immunosuppressants. Moreover, biologics were used in > 60% of patients with relapse. Tapering of PSL was significantly possible in patients receiving biologics and additional relapse was observed in 6.3% and 50% of patients with and without biologics, respectively. Such PSL-sparing effect enabled the reduction of the median PSL dose from 10 to 5 mg/day. Steroid discontinuation was achieved in some patients.Conclusions: The use of biologics significantly reduced the PSL dose in relapsed patients. A PSL dose of ≤ 5 mg/day is a feasible target for TAK, especially when biologic agents are used. Nevertheless, corticosteroid discontinuation may also be the target in some patients.

Pulmonary artery involvement in Takayasu arteritis: a retrospective study in Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) may involve the pulmonary artery, which signifies a poor prognosis. This study investigated the features of TA patients with pulmonary artery involvement.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-six inpatients diagnosed with TA were retrospectively studied. The clinical data of TA patients with and without pulmonary artery involvement were compared. The imaging features of pulmonary artery lesions in TA patients were evaluated. The treatment responses of pulmonary artery lesions were described, and the drug regimens in different treatment response groups were compared.

RESULTS

Among the patients with TA, 15.9% showed associated pulmonary artery involvement. The disease durations were significantly longer in patients with pulmonary artery involvement than in those without (108.0 months (53.5, 222.0) vs. 36.0 months (12.0, 120.0); p = 0.038). Hemoptysis was more common in TA patients with pulmonary artery involvement than in those without (15.0%, 3 cases vs. 0.0%; p < 0.001). TA patients with disease duration longer than 5 years showed a 3.42-fold higher odds of pulmonary artery involvement than those with a disease duration of less than 5 years (adjusted odds ratio, 3.42 (95% confidence interval, 1.20-9.76); p = 0.02). The most common imaging manifestations of pulmonary artery involvement were stenosis and occlusion. Among the six patients who had good response to treatment of pulmonary artery lesions, five were treated with the interleukin-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

TA patients with pulmonary artery involvement have a longer course of disease and more symptoms of hemoptysis. TA-related pulmonary artery lesions more commonly manifested as stenosis and occlusion. Tocilizumab may be effective for TA-related pulmonary vascular disease. Key Points • Disease duration longer than 5 years is associated with pulmonary artery involvement in TA. • Hemoptysis is a characteristic clinical symptom of TA with pulmonary artery involvement. • Tocilizumab may be more effective for pulmonary artery lesions of TA.

Impact of HLA-B*52:01-Driven Escape Mutations on Viral Replicative Capacity

HLA-B*52:01 is strongly associated with protection against HIV disease progression. However, the mechanisms of HLA-B*52:01-mediated immune control have not been well studied. We here describe a cohort with a majority of HIV C-clade-infected individuals from Delhi, India, where HLA-B*52:01 is highly prevalent (phenotypic frequency, 22.5%). Consistent with studies of other cohorts, expression of HLA-B*52:01 was associated with high absolute CD4 counts and therefore a lack of HIV disease progression. We here examined the impact of HLA-B*52:01-associated viral polymorphisms within the immunodominant C clade Gag epitope RMTSPVSI (here, RI8; Gag residues 275 to 282) on viral replicative capacity (VRC) since HLA-mediated reduction in VRC is a central mechanism implicated in HLA-associated control of HIV. We observed in HLA-B*52:01-positive individuals a higher frequency of V280T, V280S, and V280A variants within RI8 (P = 0.0001). Each of these variants reduced viral replicative capacity in C clade viruses, particularly the V280A variant (P < 0.0001 in both the C clade consensus and in the Indian study cohort consensus p24 Gag backbone), which was also associated with significantly higher absolute CD4 counts in the donors (median, 941.5 cells/mm³; P = 0.004). A second HLA-B*52:01-associated mutation, K286R, flanking HLA-B*52:01-RI8, was also analyzed. Although selected in HLA-B*52:01-positive subjects often in combination with the V280X variants, this mutation did not act as a compensatory mutant but, indeed, further reduced VRC. These data are therefore consistent with previous work showing that HLA-B molecules that are associated with immune control of HIV principally target conserved epitopes within the capsid protein, escape from which results in a significant reduction in VRC.IMPORTANCE Few studies have addressed the mechanisms of immune control in HIV-infected subjects in India, where an estimated 2.7 million people are living with HIV. We focus here on a study cohort in Delhi on one of the most prevalent HLA-B alleles, HLA-B*52:01, present in 22.5% of infected individuals. HLA-B*52:01 has consistently been shown in other cohorts to be associated with protection against HIV disease progression, but studies have been limited by the low prevalence of this allele in North America and Europe. Among the C-clade-infected individuals, we show that HLA-B*52:01 is the most protective of all the HLA-B alleles expressed in the Indian cohort and is associated with the highest absolute CD4 counts. Further, we show that the mechanism by which HLA-B*52:01 mediates immune protection is, at least in part, related to the inability of HIV to evade the HLA-B*52:01-restricted p24 Gag-specific CD8⁺ T-cell response without incurring a significant loss to viral replicative capacity.

Association between the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and late coronary arterial occlusive disease in patients with Takayasu arteritis

BACKGROUND

No study has provided evidence of the clinical significance of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Therefore, we investigated the frequency of ANCA positivity and its clinical implications in patients with TAK.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 121 patients with established TAK, who had results for ANCA status at diagnosis. We collected demographic and clinical data and the ANCA results at diagnosis. Additionally, we obtained information on patients' medications and complications during follow-up. Early coronary arterial occlusive disease (CAOD) and late CAOD were defined based on a 30-day interval after TAK classification. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 44.6 years, and 21 patients were men (17.4%). ANCA was detected in 8 patients (6.6%), of which 2 had both the myeloperoxidase ANCA (or perinuclear ANCA) and proteinase 3 ANCA (or cytoplasmic ANCA). Early CAOD was observed in 10 patients (8.3%), and late CAOD was found in 9 patients (7.4%). In the comparative analysis, the proportion of late CAOD exhibited a tendency to increase in the ANCA-positive group compared to that in the ANCA-negative group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with ANCA exhibited a lower cumulative late CAOD-free survival rate than those without ANCA (p=0.012). When the algorithm for the classification of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) proposed by the European Medicine Agency in 2007 was applied to 8 patients with ANCA, all were not reclassified as having AAV.

CONCLUSIONS

ANCA can be detected in a minority of patients with established TAK, and it may not contribute to the reclassification of AAV. Furthermore, ANCA positivity may be associated with late CAOD in patients with TAK.

Advancements in medical and surgical treatments of Takayasu arteritis-induced renal arteritis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Takayasu arteritis-induced renal arteritis (TARA), commonly seen in Takayasu arteritis (TA), has become one of the main causes of poor prognosis and early mortality in patients with TA. TARA progressing into Takayasu arteritis-induced renal artery stenosis (TARAS), could lead to severe complications including malignant hypertension, cardiac-cerebral vascular disease, and ischemic nephropathy. Since there existed no guidelines on treatments, this study aimed to review the comprehensive treatments for TARA.

METHODS

We searched systematically in databases including PubMed, Ovid-Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and SinoMed, from inception to May 2018. Literature selection, data extraction, and statistical analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-two literatures were recruited focusing on medical treatments (n = 34) and surgical treatments (n = 48). We found that combined medical treatments of glucocorticoids and conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs could reach high rates of remission in patients with TARA, and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were preferred for refractory patients. After remission induction, surgical treatment could help reconstruct renal artery and recover renal function partly. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was the first choice for patients with TARAS, while open surgery showed a good long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TARA should benefit both from medical treatments and from surgical treatments comprehensively and sequentially. Multidisciplinary team coordination is recommended especially in patients with severe complications.

Effectiveness of Tocilizumab in juvenile patients with refractory Takayasu arteritis: Two case reports

RATIONALE

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a systemic large-vessel vasculitis which can be accompanied by the symptoms associated with vascular stenosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We describe 2 female juveniles with TA who presented with progressive intermittent claudication.

DIAGNOSIS

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed the stenosis of femoral arteries and increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) were noted in both patients. According to European league against rheumatism consensus criteria for the diagnosis of TA was confirmed in both patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Both patients had shown resistance to glucocorticoids and treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) (subcutaneous injections, 162 mg/week).

OUTCOMES

These treatments improved claudication symptoms. Follow-up imaging by enhanced CT revealed restoration of advanced stenosis of the femoral arteries in both patients. They achieved normalization of levels of the acute-phase reactants CRP and SAA. Serum levels of interleukin-6 were increased transiently after TCZ injection, but declined to within normal ranges at 12 weeks.

LESSONS

Juvenile patients with TA presenting with advanced stenosis of the femoral arteries are not rare. The clinical courses of our patients suggested the beneficial effects of TCZ against the progressive vascular stenosis observed in refractory TA.

Misunderstandings Between Platelets and Neutrophils Build in Chronic Inflammation

Regulated hemostasis, inflammation and innate immunity entail extensive interactions between platelets and neutrophils. Under physiological conditions, vascular inflammation offers a template for the establishment of effective intravascular immunity, with platelets providing neutrophils with an array of signals that increase their activation threshold, thus limiting collateral damage to tissues and promoting termination of the inflammatory response. By contrast, persistent systemic inflammation as observed in immune-mediated diseases, such as systemic vasculitides, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by platelet and neutrophil reciprocal activation, which ultimately culminates in the generation of thrombo-inflammatory lesions, fostering vascular injury and organ damage. Here, we discuss recent evidence regarding the multifaceted aspects of platelet-neutrophil interactions from bone marrow precursors to shed microparticles. Moreover, we analyse shared and disease-specific events due to an aberrant deployment of these interactions in human diseases. To restore communications between the pillars of the immune-hemostatic continuum constitutes a fascinating challenge for the near future.

Clinical Course, Management, and Outcomes of Pediatric Takayasu Arteritis Initially Presenting With Hypertension: A 16-year overview

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinical features, management, and outcomes of childhood Takayasu arteritis (c-TA) initially presenting with hypertension.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed medical charts of 96 inpatient c-TA cases from January 2002 to December 2016, with 5 additional patients being prospectively recruited from January 2017 to December 2017. Data were compared between c-TA groups initially presenting with and without hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) control, event-free survival, and associated risk factors were assessed by logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and COX regression models.

RESULTS

The hypertensive cohort (N = 71, 28.2% males) as compared with non-hypertensive cohort had significantly fewer active diseases; fewer episodes of claudication, syncope, blurred vision, and myocardial ischemia; and fewer systemic symptoms (P < 0.05). The hypertensive group presented with more localized abdominal lesions (OR = 14.4, P = 0.001) and limited supradiaphragmatic arterial involvement. Renovascular disease (P = 0.001) and revascularization (P = 0.006) were associated with hypertension. At the median 3-year follow-up, 53% of hypertensive patients achieved BP control and 39% experienced events including vascular complications, flares, or death. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year event-free survival were 78.7% (95% CI: 65.7%-87.2%), 63.0% (95% CI: 48.1%-74.7%), 48.9% (95% CI: 32.0%-63.8%), and 31.6% (95% CI: 13.8%-51.2%), higher than in non-hypertensive group (P = 0.014). Heart failure, stroke, and body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 were prognostic factors for events. Intervention and baseline systolic BP were independent factors for BP control (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Majority of c-TA has hypertension, presenting with a more quiescent disease without typical systemic and/or ischemia symptoms, more localized abdominal lesions, higher proportion of revascularizations and better event-free survival. Three-year BP control is more than 50%. Intervention particularly on renal artery is beneficial for BP control and decreased events.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial Number: NCT03199183.

Axillobifemoral bypass for total abdominal occlusion secondary to Takayasu's arteritis: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare disease that mainly affects large arteries. Approximately 20% of TA patients will require surgical intervention secondary to arterial complications such as intermittent claudication, persistent hypertension refractory to treatment, and heart failure.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The case of a 22-year-old female with TA of five years of evolution is presented. The patient deteriorated clinically after five years of corticosteroid and immunosuppressant management requiring surgical intervention with an axillobifemoral bypass for a total abdominal occlusion. Onset, pre-surgical and post-surgical Doppler ultrasonography as well as abdominal angiotomographies document and corroborate the patient's clinical and hemodynamic improvement.

DISCUSSION

Very limited literature exists regarding surgical interventions for TA patients. While most reported cases present an endovascular surgical management. Open surgical procedures have lower rates of restenosis than endovascular management. Although endovascular management is less invasive than extra-anatomical axillobifemoral bypass, the patient was not a candidate for endovascular stent graft placement due to the increased risk for vascular injury and subsequent perforation. Approximately a fifth of TA patients are candidates for surgical intervention over time.

CONCLUSION

Vascular surgery in TA cases becomes an option when the patient does not improve clinically after administration of medical treatment. Although endovascular management has fewer complications, the rate of restenosis is higher. Patients at risk of restenosis and who have increased perioperative vascular risk can benefit from open surgical procedures. Surgical management should be tailored to the patient's needs.

Modern Concepts of Fibromuscular Dysplasia of the Coronary Arteries

Fibromuscular dysplasia of the coronary arteries is a rare non-atherosclerotic and non-inflammatory vascular lesion that is asymptomatic until serious complications develop: stenosis, dissection, rupture, sudden cardiac death. Since there are no long-term numerous clinical observations of patients with fibromuscular dysplasia of the coronary arteries, recommendations have not been developed for diagnosing and treating the disease, which often manifests with acute coronary syndrome. In 2014, the European Consensus was published, and in 2019, the first international consensus document on the diagnosis and treatment of fibromuscular dysplasia with lesions of vessels from different regions (renal, cerebrovascular, coronary, and others). The documents state that the development of fibromuscular dysplasia of the coronary arteries considers the participation of the PHACTR1 gene mutation and the transcriptional activity of the EDN1 gene, smoking, prolonged exertion of the vascular wall, and possibly female sex hormones. In the case of acute coronary syndrome, the most informative diagnostic method is computed tomography with angiography, which reveals a smooth narrowing of the lumen in the middle or distal section in the epicardial artery, often due to intramural hematoma, and also finds dissection, spasm, and tortuous vessel. Additional diagnostic methods ‒ intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography allow differentiation of fibromuscular dysplasia with atherosclerosis of the coronary artery, vasculitis, and other diseases. The choice of treatment tactics for fibromuscular dysplasia of the coronary arteries depends on the severity of the clinical manifestations ‒ conservative medical treatment and interventional methods are used.

Insufficient Use of Corticosteroids without Immunosuppressants Results in Higher Relapse Rates in Takayasu Arteritis

Objective.

Although prednisolone (PSL) and immunosuppressants are key drugs for Takayasu arteritis (TA) treatment, there is limited evidence on the optimal PSL dose. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the initial PSL dose and relapse in TA.

Methods.

We enrolled 105 patients with TA who satisfied the criteria of the Japanese Circulation Society and American College of Rheumatology from 1990 to 2015. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with TA were retrospectively evaluated. The relapse-free period was assessed according to the difference in initial treatments.

Results.

Relapse was observed in 57 (59.4%) of 96 patients treated with immunosuppressive therapy at diagnosis during a median followup of 56 months. Male sex and younger age of onset were significantly associated with relapse. Although ≤ 30 mg/day PSL monotherapy was preferably prescribed for patients with lower inflammatory markers, compared with > 30 mg/day (87.2% vs 52.6%), a significantly higher relapse rate was observed in the ≤ 30 mg/day group (HR 1.78; p = 0.047). Further, the relapse-free period was longer in patients treated with ≥ 50 mg/day PSL compared with those treated with ≤ 40 mg/day PSL. Combination therapy improved the relapse-free period compared with PSL monotherapy in the short term. The initial PSL dose was not associated with adverse events.

Conclusion.

A higher dose of PSL was associated with a significant decrease in the relapse rate. The effect of combination therapy on relapse needs to be further investigated. Lower-dose PSL monotherapy is an undesirable strategy for remission induction in TA, despite low disease activity.

Takayasu arteritis - epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment

Takayasu disease belongs to the group of autoimmune vasculitis which most often affects the aorta and its branches. It is rare, and it mainly affects young women. Recent epidemiologic studies suggest that Takayasu arteritis is being increasingly recognized in Europe. The first symptoms are non-specific and an early diagnosis is difficult and requires clinical awareness and suspicion. Patients with Takayasu arteritis often present increased inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, but systemic inflammatory response does not always show a positive correlation with inflammatory activity in the vessel wall. Therefore, imaging studies play a principal role in diagnosis and control of the disease. Glucocorticoids remain the most effective and serve as a cornerstone first line treatment. Immunosuppressive drugs play an important role as well, and biological therapy is increasingly being included in the treatment. This article describes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment of this rare disease, so as to alert clinicians because disease left untreated can lead to narrowing and even closure of vital blood vessels. The most common Takayasu arteritis complications include pulmonary thrombosis, aortic regurgitation, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular events, vision degeneration or blindness, and hearing problems.

Hemoptysis Originating from the Bronchial Artery in Takayasu Arteritis with Ulcerative Colitis

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a large-vessel vasculitis affecting the aorta and its main branches. Hemoptysis can be experienced as the respiratory manifestation, but origination from a bronchial artery is rare. Ulcerative colitis (UC) shares genetic similarities with TAK; HLA-B52*01 is associated with TAK and UC. We herein report a patient who presented with hemoptysis from the right bronchial artery and was diagnosed with TAK during the follow-up of UC. Transcatheter embolization was performed, and prednisolone and tocilizumab induced remission. Complication of TAK should be considered in the clinical course of HLA-B52-positive UC patients, and tocilizumab may be a treatment option.

A young lady with inflammation of unknown origin

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a systemic vasculitis mainly affecting the aorta and its first branches. The initial presentation can be very non-specific while its sequelae can be debilitating and fatal. Apart from clinical and biochemical tests, imaging studies remain pivotal for the diagnosis of this rare disease. Delay in treatment may result in vascular stenosis, leading to morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a young woman who presented with anemia with no obvious causes. Subsequently she developed ischemic symptoms and the diagnosis of TAK was established with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Our case illustrates the importance of recognition of the possibility of TAK in young women who presented with non-specific systemic upset and anemia of chronic inflammation. A high index of suspicion is needed and imaging studies should be considered early. The treatment of TAK will also be briefly reviewed.

Genetic determinants and an epistasis of LILRA3 and HLA-B*52 in Takayasu arteritis

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a systemic vasculitis with severe complications that affects the aorta and its large branches. HLA-B*52 is an established susceptibility locus to TAK. To date, there are still only a limited number of reports concerning non-HLA susceptibility loci to TAK. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and a follow-up study in a total of 633 TAK cases and 5,928 controls. A total of 510,879 SNPs were genotyped, and 5,875,450 SNPs were imputed together with HLA-B*52. Functional annotation of significant loci, enhancer enrichment, and pathway analyses were conducted. We identified four unreported significant loci, namely rs2322599, rs103294, rs17133698, and rs1713450, in PTK2B, LILRA3/LILRB2, DUSP22, and KLHL33, respectively. Two additional significant loci unreported in non-European GWAS were identified, namely HSPA6/FCGR3A and chr21q.22. We found that a single variant associated with the expression of MICB, a ligand for natural killer (NK) cell receptor, could explain the entire association with the HLA-B region. Rs2322599 is strongly associated with the expression of PTK2B Rs103294 risk allele in LILRA3/LILRB2 is known to be a tagging SNP for the deletion of LILRA3, a soluble receptor of HLA class I molecules. We found a significant epistasis effect between HLA-B*52 and rs103294 (P = 1.2 × 10^-3). Enhancer enrichment analysis and pathway analysis suggested the involvement of NK cells (P = 8.8 × 10^-5, enhancer enrichment). In conclusion, four unreported TAK susceptibility loci and an epistasis effect between LILRA3 and HLA-B*52 were identified. HLA and non-HLA regions suggested a critical role for NK cells in TAK.

Childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis: A 15-year experience from a tertiary referral center

AIM

To describe clinical manifestations, angiographic findings, treatment, activity and damage of our Takayasu arteritis patients.

METHOD

The patients who met European League Against Rheumatism/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/Paediatric Rheumatology European Society classification criteria for childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis were reviewed in a retrospective longitudinal manner from 2002 to 2017. Extent of the disease was assessed by Disease Extent Index for Takayasu Arteritis (DEI.Tak), activity by Pediatric Vasculitis Activity Score and Indian Takayasu's Arteritis Activity Score (ITAS 2010) and damage by Pediatric Vasculitis Damage Index and Takayasu Arteritis Damage Score (TADS).

RESULTS

Sixteen subjects (75% female) with a median disease duration of 3.1 years were enrolled in this study. While the median age at disease onset was 12.1 years, there was only a 2.5 months diagnostic delay. Treatment regime included corticosteroids (100%), which were combined with azathioprine or methotrexate in 93.8% and 37.5% of the subjects, respectively. Severe and refractory cases were treated with cyclophosphamide (62.5%) and subsequently with tocilizumab (37.5%). Seven patients (43.8%) required either percutaneous endovascular intervention or bypass for severe disease refractory to medications. The correlation of the activity and damage scores with each other was fairly good. Damage was found to be associated only with high disease activity and extensive disease at disease onset, but not with other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Despite high usage rates of aggressive immunosuppressive therapy and biologic agents, almost half of the patients underwent interventional procedures. When medications failed, endovascular and surgical interventions were of great importance to avoid end-organ ischemia. The performance of the new activity (DEI.Tak and ITAS2010) and damage indices (TADS) seems satisfactory.

Takayasu's arteritis: a review of the literature and the role of endovascular treatment

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic non-specific vasculitis with variable presentation in different ethnicities and countries. Treatment options vary and are dependent on the stage and presentation of the disease. We aimed to review current literature related to TA, focusing on the role of endovascular treatment in revascularisation. The temporal course of the disease and stage at presentation influence the management of TA. Treatment options include medical therapy, endovascular intervention or surgical vascular reconstruction. The decision to intervene is individualised according to vascular anatomy and the presence of haemodynamically significant lesions. There are currently no clear guidelines regarding the choice between the endovascular and open surgical approaches, but studies have shown that endovascular procedures are associated with slightly higher rates of restenosis while surgical procedures have higher rates of thrombosis. Periprocedural immunosuppression is suggested if the disease is active at the point of intervention. This improves outcomes but at the cost of immunosuppression-related side effects. Careful long-term follow-up is essential due to the risk of disease activation or flare-up, requiring appropriate evaluation of the diseased vessels.

Takayasu's disease effects on the kidneys: current perspectives

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic vasculitis disease of unknown etiology. Clinically significant renal disease is relatively common, and renovascular hypertension is the major renal problem. The assessment of TA activity is usually challenging because vascular inflammation may progress to fixed vascular injury without findings of active disease. Until now, the best therapeutic options have not been identified. This review highlights the current perspectives of renal involvement in TA.

Extravascular manifestations of Takayasu arteritis: focusing on the features shared with spondyloarthritis

BACKGROUND

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a systemic disease characterized by large vessel involvement. Although the vascular characteristics of TAK are well characterized, there is no well-organized study demonstrating the extravascular manifestations of TAK. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of extravascular manifestations of TAK, and to identify the association between vascular and extravascular manifestations of TAK.

METHODS

TAK patients from two independent cohorts between January 2012 and October 2017 were included in the study. Patient characteristics were retrospectively collected from the electronic dataset. The computed tomography scans of all subjects were reviewed to evaluate the pattern of vascular involvement and presence of sacroiliitis. Clinical findings including uveitis, skin lesions, oral ulcers, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between vascular and extravascular manifestations.

RESULTS

For the 268 TAK patients, the mean age at diagnosis was 41.2 ± 14.2 years and 88.1% were female. The extravascular manifestation of TAK was observed in 19.0% of patients, the most common being arthritis including sacroiliitis (11.9%) followed by recurrent oral ulcers (8.6%) and IBD (2.6%). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed type IIB vascular involvement (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.956, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.337-6.537, p = 0.007) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (adjusted OR 1.014, 95% CI 1.003-1.025, p = 0.012) as significantly associated with the presence of axial and peripheral arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

Extravascular manifestations of TAK were observed in up to one-fifth of patients. The most common extravascular manifestation was arthritis, which was associated with a type IIB vascular involvement pattern and a high ESR.

How to conduct research of rare autoimmune diseases

Rare autoimmune diseases are difficult to conduct researches in spite of present era with advanced scientific progress. Research using genetic approach is a promising way since genetic findings implicate causality of diseases. Still, there are multiple obstacles preventing genetic studies of rare diseases. Here, we list up the problems and propose solutions for them with detailed examples. The biggest problem is that it is difficult to collect a substantial number of DNA samples from patients with rare diseases. We propose to collaborate not only with academic institutions and hospitals but with patients' groups. Detailed examples include studies about Takayasu arteritis (TAK), relapsing polychondritis, and systemic sclerosis. In TAK, we identified IL12B, a key gene which seems to play a central role in the disease. After getting evidence of IL12p40 encoded by IL12B as a possible therapeutic target by showing similarities of the genetic background between TAK and ulcerative colitis, we performed a pilot clinical study of ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL12p40 for patients with refractory TAK and obtained good response. This is a good example of how genetic findings in a rare disease lead to development of new therapeutic option.

Takayasu arteritis: challenges in diagnosis and management

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare disease affecting chiefly young women, although it can affect both men and women and persons of many different ethnicities. TA carries a high morbidity rate, but importantly, overall mortality has declined over time such that the 15-year survival rate has increased from 82.9% for patients diagnosed between 1957 and 1975 to 96.5% for those diagnosed from 1976 to 1990. Severity of presenting arterial complications and delay to diagnosis have also decreased over the past decade owing to advances in non-invasive diagnostic imaging and the development of medical therapies. Despite these advances, there still remain significant gaps in the diagnosis and management of these complex patients. These gaps encompass the basic, yet extremely complex, tasks of defining a universally accepted diagnostic criterion, accurate assessment of disease activity and development of clinically meaningful and accurate outcome measures to guide necessary clinical trials for the management of these complex patients.

The efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil in treating Takayasu arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in treating Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients. Embase, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Clinicaltrials. Gov and three Chinese literature databases (VIP, CNKI, WanFang) were searched; randomized-controlled trials and observational studies that compared the efficacy before and after treatment with MMF were included. The efficacy outcomes were disease activity, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) values and steroid dosage. The results were expressed as mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Compared with the baseline, there were significant reductions in the ESR (−14.92 [25.35, −4.48]), CRP values (−12.99 [−23.29, −2.68]) and the steroid dosage (−17.64 [−24.89, −10.4]) after the addition of MMF, and the disease tended to stabilize. Therefore, MMF might be an alternative immunosuppressive drug for TA for the control of disease activity and to taper the steroid dosage.

Transcriptional profiling of leukocytes from rheumatoid arthritis patients before and after anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy: A comparison of anti-nuclear antibody positive and negative subsets

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) may be induced in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy with TNF inhibitors (TNFi), etanercept, infliximab or adalimumab. In the present study, 11 patients who were TNFi drug naive were started on TNFi at a time of high disease activity. Of these, all cases were positive for rheumatoid factor and 9 cases tested were positive for anti-citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies prior to TNFi treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum were collected from all patients before and after TNFi therapy. Serum was assayed for ANAs over time. Total cellular RNA was extracted from PBMCs and assessed using Illumina arrays. Gene expression profiles were examined for alterations in key effector pathways. After 3 or more months on TNFi, 6 patients converted to ANA-positivity. Analysis of transcripts from patients with RA who converted to ANA-positivity after 3 months on TNFi identified complex gene expression profiles that reflected a reduction in cell adhesion, cell stress and lipid metabolism transcripts. In summary, unique transcriptional profiles in PBMCs from patients with RA were observed after TNFi therapy. This pilot study suggests that transcriptional profiling is a precise method of measuring the impact of TNFi therapies and reveals novel pathways that likely influence the immune response.

Gastrointestinal aspects of vasculitides

Systemic vasculitides are caused by inflammation of blood vessels and can affect any organ and any part of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatic and biliary system, as well as the pancreas. These disorders can cause a wide array of gastrointestinal manifestations, from asymptomatic elevated transaminase levels and mild abdominal pain to potentially life-threatening bowel perforations and peritonitis. A diagnosis based solely on gastrointestinal symptoms is challenging as these manifestations are not specific. Conversely, diagnostic and therapeutic delays can be rapidly detrimental. In this article, we review the epidemiology, characteristics and management of the main gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic vasculitides, including polyarteritis nodosa and antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitides, as well as isolated vasculitides limited to the gastrointestinal tract.

Incidence, prevalence, mortality and causes of death in Takayasu Arteritis in Korea - A nationwide, population-based study

BACKGROUND

Studies investigating the epidemiology and mortality of Takayasu Arteritis (TA) are scarce. The objective of this study was to provide information regarding the epidemiology of TA, such as the incidence, prevalence, survival and cause of death in Korea.

METHODS

We used a national, population-based database maintained by the Rare Intractable Disease registration program and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, which includes information on all TA patients, diagnosed based on uniform criteria. We also used data from Statistics Korea linked with RID database to confirm survival and cause of death. We analyzed data for the period 2008-2012.

RESULTS

During study period, there were 612 new patients with TA, with a female-to-male ratio of 4.3:1. The annual mean incidence was 0.24 per 10⁵ people, and the prevalence was 2.82 per 10⁵ people in 2012. The average annual mortality rate was 0.02 per 10⁵ people, and the standardized mortality ratio was 3.1. The overall survival of patients with TA was 96.6%, which was significantly lower than that in the general population. Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death, accounting for 29 of the 64 deaths (45.3%), followed by neoplasms in 9 patients (14.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and prevalence presented in this study are the highest ever reported. The survival of patients with TA was significantly lower than that of the general population, and the main cause of death was cardiovascular disease. This study reflects the need for greater awareness of TA, especially in Asian countries.

Chest Pain: The Need to Consider Less Frequent Diagnosis

Chest pain is one of the most frequent patient's complaints. The commonest underlying causes are well known, but, sometimes, in some clinical scenarios, it is necessary to consider other diagnoses. We report a case of a 68-year-old Caucasian male, chronically hypertensive, who complained of recurrent episodes of chest pain and fever with elevated acute phase reactants. The first investigation was negative for some of the most likely diagnosis and he quickly improved with anti-inflammatory drugs. Over a few months, his symptoms continued to recur periodically, his hypertension was aggravated, and he developed headaches and lower limbs claudication. After a temporal artery biopsy that was negative for vasculitis, he underwent a positron emission tomography suggestive of Takayasu Arteritis. Takayasu Arteritis is a rare chronic granulomatous vasculitis of the aorta and its first-order branches affecting mostly females up to 50 years old. Chest pain is experienced by >40% of the patients and results from the inflammation of the aorta, pulmonary artery, or coronaries.