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Jarrot PA, Mirouse A, Ottaviani S, Cadiou S, Salmon JH, Liozon E, Parreau S, Michaud M, Terrier B, Gavand PE, Trefond L, Lavoiepierre V, Keraen J, Rekassa D, Bouldoires B, Weitten T, Roche D, Poulet A, Charpin C, Grobost V, Hermet M, Pallure M, Wackenheim C, Karkowski L, Grumet P, Rogier T, Belkefi N, Pestre V, Broquet E, Leurs A, Gautier S, Gras V, Gilet P, Holubar J, Sivova N, Schleinitz N, Durand JM, Castel B, Petrier A, Arcani R, Gramont B, Guilpain P, Lepidi H, Weiller PJ, Micallef J, Saadoun D, Kaplanski G. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis following COVID-19 vaccination: Results from a nationwide survey. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2334084. [PMID: 38563792 PMCID: PMC10989707 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2334084] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a national in-depth analysis including pharmacovigilance reports and clinical study to assess the reporting rate (RR) and to determine the clinical profile of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) in COVID-19-vaccinated individuals. First, based on the French pharmacovigilance database, we estimated the RR of PMR and GCA cases in individuals aged over 50 who developed their initial symptoms within one month of receiving the BNT162b2 mRNA, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and Ad26.COV2.S vaccines. We then conducted a nationwide survey to gather clinical profiles, therapeutic management, and follow-up data from individuals registered in the pharmacovigilance study. A total of 70 854 684 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered to 25 260 485 adults, among which, 179 cases of PMR (RR 7. 1 cases/1 000 000 persons) and 54 cases of GCA (RR 2. 1 cases/1 000 000 persons) have been reported. The nationwide survey allowed the characterization of 60 PMR and 35 GCA cases. Median time to the onset of first symptoms was 10 (range 2-30) and 7 (range 2-25) days for PMR and GCA, respectively. Phenotype, GCA-related ischemic complications and -large vessel vasculitis as well as therapeutic management and follow-up seemed similar according to the number of vaccine shots received and when compared to the literature data of unvaccinated population. Although rare, the short time between immunization and the onset of first symptoms of PMR and GCA suggests a temporal association. Physician should be aware of this potential vaccine-related phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-André Jarrot
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Hôpital de La Conception, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research (C2VN), INRA 1260, INSERM UMR_S1263, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Adrien Mirouse
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Inflammatoires et de l’Amylose inflammatoire (CEREMAIA), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
- INSERM, UMR_S 959 Lab, Immunology, Immunotherapeutics, Paris, France
- DMU 3ID, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Ottaviani
- Department of Rheumatology, DMU Locomotion, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, APHP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Simon Cadiou
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU de Rennes, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Hugues Salmon
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital de La Maison Blanche, Université de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Eric Liozon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Universitaire de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Simon Parreau
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Universitaire de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Martin Michaud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinique Saint-Exupery, Toulouse, France
| | - Benjamin Terrier
- National Referral Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Disease, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Centre, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Ludovic Trefond
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Virginie Lavoiepierre
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Hôpital de La Conception, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Jeremy Keraen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital de Cornouaille, Quimper, France
| | - Daniel Rekassa
- Department of Rehabilitation, Centre Thermal, Greoux Les Bains, France
| | | | - Thierry Weitten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital des Alpes du Sud, Gap, France
| | - Damien Roche
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille, France
| | - Antoine Poulet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Charpin
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Grobost
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marion Hermet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital de Vichy, Vichy, France
| | - Magali Pallure
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital de Cannes Simone Veil, Cannes, France
| | - Chloe Wackenheim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medipole Hôpital Privé, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Ludovic Karkowski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital d’Instruction des Armées Sainte-Anne, Toulon, France
| | - Pierre Grumet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital des Alpes du Sud, Gap, France
| | - Thomas Rogier
- Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Disease, Hôpital François Mitterand, Dijon, France
| | - Nabil Belkefi
- Department of Internal Medicine, CH de Melun, Melun, France
| | - Vincent Pestre
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, CH d’Avignon, Avignon, France
| | | | - Amélie Leurs
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, CH de Dunkerque, Dunkerque, France
| | - Sophie Gautier
- Department of Pharmacology, centre régional de pharmacovigilance Nord Pas de Calais, CHRU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Valérie Gras
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Centre régional de pharmacovigilance, service de pharmacologie clinique, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Pierre Gilet
- Regional Center of Pharmacovigilance, CHRU de Nancy, Hôpital Central, Nancy, France
| | - Jan Holubar
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Nadia Sivova
- Department of Internal Medicine, CH de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France
| | - Nicolas Schleinitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital de La Timone, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Durand
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital de La Timone, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Brice Castel
- Department of Internal Medicine, CH de Tarbes, Tarbes, France
| | | | - Robin Arcani
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics Department, Hôpital de La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Baptiste Gramont
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Philippe Guilpain
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU Saint-Eloi, Montpellier, France
| | - Hubert Lepidi
- Pathological Laboratory, Hôpital de La Timone, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | | | - Joelle Micallef
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and pharmacosurveillance, Regional Pharmacovigilance Center of Marseille, Hôpital de La Timone, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - David Saadoun
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Inflammatoires et de l’Amylose inflammatoire (CEREMAIA), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
- INSERM, UMR_S 959 Lab, Immunology, Immunotherapeutics, Paris, France
- DMU 3ID, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Kaplanski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Hôpital de La Conception, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research (C2VN), INRA 1260, INSERM UMR_S1263, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Baig A, Gafoor-Haseeb S, Goldsher J, Siddique F. Updates in the Management of Giant Cell Arteritis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:285-291. [PMID: 38913278 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01348-9] [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] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW To briefly review the latest updates in management in giant cell arteritis, an autoimmune vasculitis affecting the medium to large vessels. RECENT FINDINGS Here, we review the known and newer trends in management of giant cell arteritis. While high dose glucocorticoids remain the mainstay of therapy, immunosuppressive medications are increasingly utilized to reduce the burden and risk of long-term glucocorticoid use. Published guidelines by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) suggest early use of steroid-sparing immunosuppressive medications in patients with recently diagnosed or relapsing giant cell arteritis. Immunosuppressive medications include oral small molecules such as methotrexate and leflunomide and biologics, including the recently Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved tocilizumab. Glucocorticoids remain the cornerstone of management for newly diagnosed disease but with the increasing use of medications such as IL-6 inhibitors, patients are decreasing steroid use within weeks, thereby limiting risks associated with long-term steroid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqil Baig
- St James School of Medicine, A-1, Albert Lake Dr, The Quarter, 2640, Anguilla
| | - Sana Gafoor-Haseeb
- Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S First Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Jay Goldsher
- Internal Medicine Resident, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S First Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Faizah Siddique
- Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S First Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
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Fedorinova EE, Bulanov NM, Meshkov AD, Borodin OO, Smitienko IO, Chachilo EV, Nartov AA, Filatova AL, Naumov AV, Novikov PI, Moiseev SV. Clinical Manifestations and Prognosis of Giant Cell Arteritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2024; 517:250-258. [PMID: 39002010 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672924700984] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations and survival of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS . A retrospective study included 166 patients with newly diagnosed GCA. Clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data and three sets of classification criteria were used to confirm the diagnosis: the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990, the revised ACR criteria of 2016 and/or the new ACR and European Alliance of Rheumatologic Associations (EULAR) 2022 criteria. Some of the patients underwent instrumental investigations: temporal artery ultrasound Doppler (n = 61), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (n = 5), CT angiography (n = 6), magnetic resonance imaging (n = 4), MR angiography (n = 3), and 18F-FDG PET/CT (n = 47). Overall and recurrence-free survival rates were analyzed using survival tables and Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS . The most frequent first manifestations of GCA were headache (81.8%), weakness (64%), fever (63.8%), and symptoms of rheumatic polymyalgia (56.6%). Changes in temporal arteries in color duplex scanning were detected in 44 out of 61 patients. GCs therapy was performed in all patients who agreed to be treated (n = 158), methotrexate was used in 49 out of 158 patients, leflunomide in 9 patients. In 45 (28.5%) out of 158 patients, a stable remission was achieved as a result of GC monotherapy; in 120 (75.9%) patients, long-term maintenance therapy with GCs was required to prevent exacerbations, including 71 (44.9%) patients in combination with methotrexate or other immunosuppressive drugs. The follow-up period of patients with a history of relapses was 21.0 (8.0-54.0) months. Relapses developed in 73 (46.2%) patients. The overall one-year survival rate was 97.1% [95% CI 94.3; 99.9], and the five-year survival rate of patients was 94.6% [95% CI 90.2; 99.0]. The one-year relapse-free survival rate was 86.4% [95% CI 80.5; 92.3], and the five-year relapse-free survival rate was 52.4% [95% CI 42.0; 62.8]. Twelve (7.2%) of 166 patients died. The cause of death was myocardial infarction in two patients, stroke in two patients, and breast cancer in one patient; in the remaining seven cases, the cause of death was not determined. CONCLUSIONS : Given the high frequency of disease exacerbation, patients with GCA require long-term follow-up, especially during the first year after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E E Fedorinova
- Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
| | - N M Bulanov
- Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - A D Meshkov
- Russian Gerontological Research and Clinical Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - O O Borodin
- Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - I O Smitienko
- International Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Chachilo
- Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Nartov
- Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - A L Filatova
- Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Naumov
- Russian Gerontological Research and Clinical Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - P I Novikov
- Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - S V Moiseev
- Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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El Haddad J, Charbonneau F, Guillaume J, Clavel G, Chazal T, Poillon G, Tran A, Niro A, Sore R, Litman-Roventa L, Mahe K, Chhour S, Savatovsky J, Lecler A. Reproducibility and accuracy of vessel wall MRI in diagnosing giant cell arteritis: a study with readers of varying expertise. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:5360-5369. [PMID: 38206404 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10567-6] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reproducibility of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) in diagnosing giant cell arteritis (GCA) among groups of radiologists with varying levels of expertise. METHODS This institutional review board-approved retrospective single-center study recruited patients with suspected GCA between December 2014 and September 2021. Patients underwent 3 -T VW-MRI before temporal artery biopsy. Ten radiologists with varying levels of expertise, blinded to all data, evaluated several intracranial and extracranial arteries to assess GCA diagnosis. Interobserver reproducibility and diagnostic performance were evaluated. RESULTS Fifty patients (27 women and 23 men) with a mean age of 75.9 ± 9 years were included. Thirty-one of 50 (62%) had a final diagnosis of GCA.VW-MRI had an almost perfect reproducibility among expert readers (kappa = 0.93; 95% CI 0.77-1) and substantial reproducibility among all readers, junior and non-expert senior readers (kappa = 0.7; 95% CI 0.66-0.73; kappa = 0.67 95% CI 0.59-0.74; kappa = 0.65; 95% CI 0.43-0.88 respectively) when diagnosing GCA. Substantial interobserver agreement was observed for the frontal branch of superficial temporal artery. Moderate interobserver agreement was observed for the superficial temporal artery and its parietal branch, as well as ophthalmic arteries in all groups of readers. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy varied depending on the group of readers. CONCLUSION VW-MRI is a reproducible and accurate imaging modality for detecting GCA, even among less-experienced readers. This study advocates for the use of VW-MRI when diagnosing GCA even in less-experienced centers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT VW-MRI is a reproducible and accurate imaging modality for detecting GCA, even among less-experienced readers, and it could be used as a first-line diagnostic tool for GCA in centers with limited expertise in GCA diagnosis. KEY POINTS • Vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) is a reproducible and accurate imaging modality for detecting giant cell arteritis (GCA) in both extracranial and intracranial arteries. • The reproducibility of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging for giant cell arteritis diagnosis was high among expert readers and moderate among less-experienced readers. • The use of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging for giant cell arteritis diagnosis can be recommended even in centers with less-experienced readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme El Haddad
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France.
| | | | - Jessica Guillaume
- Department of Clinical Research, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Clavel
- Department of Internal Medicine, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Thibaud Chazal
- Department of Internal Medicine, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Poillon
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alexia Tran
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Niro
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Rémi Sore
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Luca Litman-Roventa
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Kévin Mahe
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Samantha Chhour
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Julien Savatovsky
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Augustin Lecler
- Department of Neuroradiology, A. Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France.
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Cox L, Schulz CB, Slaven J, Gounder P, Arunothayaraj S, Alsanjari O, Cockburn J, Wright DA, Oliphant H, Rajak S. Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) represents a novel technique for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-03216-9. [PMID: 39014208 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory vascular disease in which prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical. The efficacy of temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is limited by 'skip' lesions and a delay in histological analysis. This first-in-man ex-vivo study aims to assess the accuracy of optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) in diagnosing GCA. SUBJECTS/METHODS 29 TAB samples of patients with suspected GCA were submerged in 0.9% sodium chloride and an OFDI catheter was passed through the lumen to create cross-sectional images prior to histological analysis. The specimens were then preserved in formalin for histological examination. Mean intimal thickness (MIT) on OFDI was measured, and the presence of both multinucleate giant cells (MNGCs) and fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina (FIEL) was assessed and compared with histology, used as the diagnostic gold standard. RESULTS MIT in patients with/without histological evidence of GCA was 0.425 mm (±0.43) and 0.13 mm (±0.06) respectively compared with 0.215 mm (±0.09) and 0.135 mm (±0.07) on OFDI. MIT measured by OFDI was significantly higher in patients with histologically diagnosed arteritis compared to those without (p = 0.0195). For detecting FIEL and MNGCs, OFDI had a sensitivity of 75% and 28.6% and a specificity of 100% and 77.3% respectively. Applying diagnostic criteria of MIT > 0.20 mm, or the presence of MNGCs or FIEL, the sensitivity of detecting histological arteritis using OFDI was 91.4% and the specificity 94.1%. CONCLUSIONS OFDI provided rapid imaging of TAB specimens achieving a diagnostic accuracy comparable to histological examination. In-vivo imaging may allow imaging of a longer arterial section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Cox
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Mary's Hospital, Frognal Avenue, DA14 6LT, London, UK
| | - Christopher B Schulz
- Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF, Brighton, UK
| | - James Slaven
- Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF, Brighton, UK
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, BN1 9PX, Brighton, UK
| | - Pav Gounder
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sandeep Arunothayaraj
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF, Brighton, UK
| | - Osama Alsanjari
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF, Brighton, UK
| | - James Cockburn
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF, Brighton, UK
| | - David A Wright
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF, Brighton, UK
| | - Huw Oliphant
- Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF, Brighton, UK
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, BN1 9PX, Brighton, UK
| | - Saul Rajak
- Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF, Brighton, UK.
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, BN1 9PX, Brighton, UK.
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Cowley S, Harkins P, Kirby C, Conway R, Kane DJ. Should all patients with polymyalgia rheumatica have a vascular ultrasound assessment? Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:961-964. [PMID: 38553044 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2024-225650] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing appreciation that both giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are closely interrelated conditions that have significant overlap in aetiology, clinical characteristics and treatment regimens. Subclinical GCA in PMR is becoming increasingly recognised, and there is evolving evidence that this may be a more aggressive disease phenotype than PMR. Ultrasound (US) lends itself well as a screening tool for GCA in PMR; it is inexpensive, non-invasive, widely available, lacks ionising radiation, may be performed at the bedside and is recommended by EULAR as a first-line investigation for suspected GCA. There is insufficient evidence to currently recommend that all patients with PMR should have a US assessment for vascular involvement. However, as clinical and laboratory parameters alone do not accurately diagnose patients with subclinical GCA, we suggest that vascular US will be increasingly performed by rheumatologists in practice to identify these patients with PMR, preferably as part of larger prospective outcome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Cowley
- Department of Rheumatology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patricia Harkins
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm Kirby
- Department of Rheumatology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard Conway
- Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J Kane
- Department of Rheumatology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Harigai M, Miyamae T, Hashimoto H, Umetsu K, Yamashita K, Nakaoka Y. A multicentre, large-scale, observational study of tocilizumab in patients with giant cell arteritis in Japan. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:775-783. [PMID: 37522620 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road074] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In clinical trials, tocilizumab (TCZ) is efficacious in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). This study evaluated the real-world tolerability and effectiveness of TCZ in Japanese patients with GCA. METHODS In this multicentre, prospective, Phase 4, large-scale, observational study, patients with GCA (with no TCZ treatment 6 months before the study) were recruited from 71 centres across Japan. Patients received subcutaneous TCZ 162 mg weekly (observation period, 52 weeks). RESULTS Of the 117 patients [female, 70.1%; mean age, 74.2 years; mean disease duration, 1.4 years; treated for new-onset GCA, 71.8%; presence of large-vessel lesions (LVLs), 61.5%; previous immunosuppressant use, 28.2%; glucocorticoids at baseline, 95.7% (mean: 22.4 mg/day)], 38.5% reported adverse events. The most common adverse events of special interest were neutropaenia and leukopaenia (7.7%), followed by serious infection (6.0%). The relapse-free proportion was 85.0%; relapse after remission, 6.0%; and no remission, 9.0%. At the last observation, 94.2% of relapse-free patients received a concomitant glucocorticoid dose of <10 mg/day. Fatigue, headache, neck pain, and absence of LVLs were positively associated with the relapse. CONCLUSIONS TCZ was effective and well tolerated in Japanese patients with GCA and may be an effective treatment option combined with glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Harigai
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Miyamae
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Hashimoto
- Risk Communication Department, Drug Safety Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosei Umetsu
- Safety Science Department, Drug Safety Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhisa Yamashita
- Specialty Medical Science Department, Medical Affairs Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakaoka
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Nielsen MK, Nielsen AW, Donskov AO, Hansen IT, Nielsen BD, Mørk C, Hauge EM, Keller KK. Taper versus discontinuation of tocilizumab in patients with giant cell arteritis: Real-world experience from a tertiary center. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 68:152508. [PMID: 38981187 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152508] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following the approval of tocilizumab (TCZ) for giant cell arteritis (GCA), recent studies have shown a high relapse frequency after abrupt discontinuation of TCZ. However, a thorough exploration of TCZ tapering compared to abrupt discontinuation has never been undertaken. Likewise, adverse events have only been scarcely investigated in routine care. This study aimed to compare the incidence of relapses in GCA patients undergoing TCZ tapering compared to abrupt discontinuation. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study from 2012 to 2022. Data from GCA patients treated with TCZ was obtained from the Electronic Patients Record. Relapse-free survival is reported in Kaplan-Meier plots and tapering versus abrupt discontinuation were compared using a Wilcoxon-Brewlos-Gehan test. RESULTS We included 155 patients receiving TCZ treatment for GCA, of which 104 discontinued TCZ. Among the 104 patients discontinuing TCZ, 42 (40 %) experienced a relapse within the first year. A total of 57 patients underwent taper with 6/38 (16 %) and 2/19 (11 %) relapsing while receiving TCZ every second or third week, respectively. In comparison, 59 patients underwent abrupt discontinuation with 27 (46 %) relapsing during follow-up. The patients undergoing abrupt TCZ discontinuation demonstrated a significantly shorter time to relapse compared to all tapered patients (p = 0.02) as well as patients tapered from weekly TCZ treatment to every second week (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 15 % of patients discontinued TCZ due to adverse events. CONCLUSION This is the first study indicating that TCZ taper induced longer relapse-free survival than abrupt discontinuation, implying that taper may be favored over discontinuation in patients with GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc K Nielsen
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Andreas W Nielsen
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Agnete O Donskov
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ib T Hansen
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Berit D Nielsen
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark; Horsens Regional Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Christoffer Mørk
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ellen M Hauge
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kresten K Keller
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
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Nielsen BD, Kristensen S, Donskov A, Terslev L, Dreyer LW, Colic A, Hetland ML, Højgaard P, Ellingsen T, Hauge EM, Chrysidis S, Keller KK. The DANIsh VASculitis cohort study: protocol for a national multicenter prospective study including incident and prevalent patients with giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1415076. [PMID: 39026552 PMCID: PMC11256208 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1415076] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The DANIsh VASculitis cohort study, DANIVAS, is an observational national multicenter study with the overall aim to prospectively collect protocolized clinical data and biobank material from patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) diagnosed and/or followed at Danish rheumatology departments. A long-term key objective is to investigate whether the use of new clinically implemented diagnostic imaging modalities facilitates disease stratification in the GCA-PMR disease spectrum. In particular, we aim to evaluate treatment requirements in GCA patients with and without large-vessel involvement, treatment needs in PMR patients with and without subclinical giant cell arteritis, and the prognostic role of imaging with respect to aneurysm development. Hence, in GCA and PMR, imaging stratification is hypothesized to be able to guide management strategies. With an established infrastructure within rheumatology for clinical studies in Denmark, the infrastructure of the Danish Rheumatologic Biobank, and the possibility to cross-link data with valid nationwide registries, the DANIVAS project holds an exceptional possibility to collect comprehensive real-world data on diagnosis, disease severity, disease duration, treatment effect, complications, and adverse events. In this paper, we present the research protocol for the DANIVAS study. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT05935709.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit D. Nielsen
- Department of Medicine, The Regional Hospital in Horsens, Horsens, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Salome Kristensen
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Agnete Donskov
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene Terslev
- DANBIO and Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Wohlfahrt Dreyer
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ada Colic
- Department of Rheumatology, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - Merete Lund Hetland
- DANBIO and Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pil Højgaard
- Department of Medicine (2), Holbæk Hospital, Holbæk, Denmark
| | - Torkell Ellingsen
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stavros Chrysidis
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Kresten K. Keller
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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10
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Rahman A, Haider MF. A comprehensive review on glucocorticoids induced osteoporosis: A medication caused disease. Steroids 2024; 207:109440. [PMID: 38754651 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones that are extensively used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and cancer. The major ill effect of administering GCs is that it has a deleterious effect on bone, which leads to GC-induced osteoporosis. GC therapy induces bone loss and is associated with the risk of nonvertebral and vertebral fractures, as it works in combination by increasing bone reabsorption and suppressing bone formation during the initial phase of therapy. It is seen and established that GC in excess or in low dose for 3 months or more can be a risk factor for fracture, and the risk increases with an increase in dose and duration of usage. The most common cause of secondary osteoporosis is the administration of GC inside the body to treat various diseases. The degree of bone loss is directly proportional to the GC dose and the exposure duration. The first step is to evaluate the patients' risk factors for the development of glucocorticoids that induce osteoporosis, which include the dose, duration of use, patient age, sex, previous fractures, and other medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Rahman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Md Faheem Haider
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India.
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11
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Moleiro AF, Vilares-Morgado R, Falcão-Reis F, Torres-Costa S. WHEN THE PICTURE MASKS THE DIAGNOSIS - AN ATYPICAL AND SEVERE GIANT CELL ARTERITIS CASE REPORT. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2024; 18:446-450. [PMID: 36989505 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000001409] [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: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe an atypical and severe case of giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS This was a case report description. RESULTS The authors report the case of a 76-year-old man who presented with severe and progressive bilateral visual loss. On presentation at the ophthalmology emergency room, the patient's right eye (OD) displayed aqueous flare, hyphema, rubeosis iridis , and dense posterior capsular opacification. After YAG laser capsulotomy, vitreous densifications, intraretinal hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, retinal ischemia, and vasculitis were observed in the fundoscopy. The patient's left eye (OS) also presented intraretinal hemorrhages and cotton wool spots around the temporal arcades. The diagnostic workup excluded infectious diseases, demyelinating diseases, and ocular ischemic syndrome due to carotid obstruction. Proteinogram revealed a monoclonal gammopathy, suggesting a possible hematologic condition. High-dose corticotherapy was initiated, which improved the vitreous densifications and enabled the visualization of the pale optic disk. The remaining study did not confirm the diagnosis of hematologic disease. During follow-up, bilateral VA deteriorated, with the development of progressive pallor in the OS optic disk. Follow-up fluorescein angiography demonstrated progressive retinal and choroidal ischemia. Finally, owing to high clinical suspicion, temporal artery Doppler ultrasound was performed, confirming the diagnosis of GCA. CONCLUSION GCA may present multiple ocular features. The knowledge of these different presentations, including retinal and choroidal ischemia or uveitis, is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment initiation. Since patients with GCA often present with vision loss, ophthalmologists may be the first medical doctors who contact with these patients, being on the frontline of GCA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Filipa Moleiro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal; and
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Vilares-Morgado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal; and
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Falcão-Reis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal; and
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Torres-Costa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal; and
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12
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Keshvani C, Laylani N, Davila-Siliezar P, Kopel J, Lee AG. Neuro-ophthalmic challenges and multi-morbidity in vasculitis among the older adults. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:781-791. [PMID: 38572928 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2339893] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of disorders producing inflammation of blood vessels (e.g. arteries or veins). All major vasculitides potentially have ophthalmological symptoms and signs including visual loss. Co-morbidity, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and geriatric syndromes all play important roles in patient outcomes for these rheumatic conditions in the elderly. This monograph reviews the NCBI PubMed database (Feb 2023) literature on the neuro-ophthalmic and geriatric considerations in vasculitis. AREAS COVERED Cogan Syndrome, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Takayasu Arteritis, Vasculitis epidemiology, and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms. EXPERT OPINION Geriatric patient care for vasculitis with neuro-ophthalmological manifestations can be complicated by the interplay of multiple co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and specific geriatric syndromes. The valuation and treatment of vasculitis and the complications associated with the disease can negatively impact patient care. Advances in noninvasive imaging and updates in diagnostic criteria have enabled increased identification of patients at earlier stages with less severe disease burden. Novel therapeutic agents can be glucocorticoid sparing and might reduce the adverse effects of chronic steroid use. Holistic care models like the 5 M geriatric care model (mind, mobility, medications, multicomplexity, and matters most) allow patients' needs to be in the forefront with biopsychosocial aspects of a patient being addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caezaan Keshvani
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Noor Laylani
- Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Kopel
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Andrew G Lee
- Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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13
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Aghayev A, Weber B, Lins de Carvalho T, Glaudemans AWJM, Nienhuis PH, van der Geest KSM, Slart RHJA. Multimodality imaging to assess diagnosis and evaluate complications of large vesselarteritis. J Nucl Cardiol 2024; 37:101864. [PMID: 38663459 PMCID: PMC11257818 DOI: 10.1016/j.nuclcard.2024.101864] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Different types of vasculitis can be distinguished according to the blood vessel's size that is preferentially affected: large-vessel, medium-vessel, and small-vessel vasculitides. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) are the main forms of large-vessel vasculitis, and may lead to lumen narrowing. Clinical manifestations of arterial narrowing on the short- and long term include vision loss, stroke, limb ischemia, and heart failure. Imaging tools are well established diagnostic tests for large-vessel vasculitis and may aid therapy monitoring in selected cases while providing important information regarding the occurrence of vascular damage, tissue and organ complications. This review aims to provide the current status of multimodality imaging for the diagnosis and identification of vascular complications in the field of large vessel vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Aghayev
- Cardiovascular Imaging Program, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittany Weber
- Cardiovascular Imaging Program, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tiago Lins de Carvalho
- Cardiovascular Imaging Program, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andor W J M Glaudemans
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter H Nienhuis
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Riemer H J A Slart
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
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14
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Buttgereit F, Palmowski A, Bond M, Adami G, Dejaco C. Osteoporosis and fracture risk are multifactorial in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:417-431. [PMID: 38831028 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01120-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, vasculitides and spondyloarthropathies are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures than are individuals without iRMDs. Research and management recommendations for osteoporosis in iRMDs often focus on glucocorticoids as the most relevant risk factor, but they largely ignore disease-related and general risk factors. However, the aetiopathogenesis of osteoporosis in iRMDs has many facets, including the negative effects on bone health of local and systemic inflammation owing to disease activity, other iRMD-specific risk factors such as disability or malnutrition (for example, malabsorption in systemic sclerosis), and general risk factors such as older age and hormonal loss resulting from menopause. Moreover, factors that can reduce fracture risk, such as physical activity, healthy nutrition, vitamin D supplementation and adequate treatment of inflammation, are variably present in patients with iRMDs. Evidence relating to general and iRMD-specific protective and risk factors for osteoporosis indicate that the established and very often used term 'glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis' oversimplifies the complex inter-relationships encountered in patients with iRMDs. Osteoporosis in these patients should instead be described as 'multifactorial'. Consequently, a multimodal approach to the management of osteoporosis is required. This approach should include optimal control of disease activity, minimization of glucocorticoids, anti-osteoporotic drug treatment, advice on physical activity and nutrition, and prevention of falls, as well as the management of other risk and protective factors, thereby improving the bone health of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andriko Palmowski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Milena Bond
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Bruneck, Italy
| | | | - 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 Graz, Graz, Austria
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15
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Jovicic Z, Dragasevic S, Petkovic A, Plesinac S, Sokic Milutinovic A, Stojanovic M. Successful pregnancies in a patient with Takayasu arteritis and antiphospholipid syndrome, maintained on infliximab corticosteroid-free regimen: case-based review. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1359-1367. [PMID: 37653060 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05440-0] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis affecting predominantly females below the age of 40. Patients with TA seem to be at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, resulting in mother or child complications. Although few studies analyzed the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) in TA patients, an association between antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and TA is rarely reported in the literature, mainly in the form of case reports. In fact, very few data regarding pregnancy outcomes in patients with TA and APS are available. An active form of Crohn's disease (CD) might be another risk factor strongly affecting the fertility rate. Here, we would like to present a 33-year-old woman with TA, double-positive APS and Crohn's disease (CD). The report is followed by the literature review of the association of APLA and/or APS with TA, focusing on analyzing the pregnancy outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first case describing two successful, naturally occurring pregnancies, in a patient suffering from TA, APS and CD, and maintained on infliximab, azathioprine, and a corticosteroid-free regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikica Jovicic
- Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Koste Todorovica 2, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Dragasevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Gastroenterohepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Petkovic
- Department of Radiology, Center of Stereotaxic Radiosurgery, Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snezana Plesinac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Sokic Milutinovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Gastroenterohepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Stojanovic
- Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Koste Todorovica 2, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Kollecker T, Nistal M, Waltz V, Ehard F, Moellers M, Gundling F. [Takayasu arteritis after COVID-19 infection in a 26-year-old female patient with Crohn's disease]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2024; 62:1042-1047. [PMID: 38417807 DOI: 10.1055/a-2187-9295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Volker Waltz
- Ambulantes rheumatologisches Behandlungszentrum Obermain, Germany
| | - Florian Ehard
- Institut für Radiologie, Bamberg Hospital, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Mark Moellers
- Institut für Nuklearmedizin, Bamberg Hospital, Bamberg, Germany
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17
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Wendling D, Al Tabaa O, Chevet B, Fakih O, Ghossan R, Hecquet S, Dernis E, Maheu E, Saraux A, Besson FL, Alegria GC, Cortet B, Fautrel B, Felten R, Morel J, Ottaviani S, Querellou-Lefranc S, Ramon A, Ruyssen-Witrand A, Seror R, Tournadre A, Foulquier N, Verlhac B, Verhoeven F, Devauchelle-Pensec V. Recommendations of the French Society of Rheumatology for the management in current practice of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. Joint Bone Spine 2024; 91:105730. [PMID: 38583691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2024.105730] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop recommendations for the routine management of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). METHODS Following standard procedures, a systematic review of the literature by five supervised junior rheumatologists, based on the questions selected by the steering committee (5 senior rheumatologists), was used as the basis for working meetings, followed by a one-day plenary meeting with the working group (15 members), leading to the development of the wording and determination of the strength of the recommendations and the level of agreement of the experts. RESULTS Five general principles and 19 recommendations were drawn up. Three recommendations relate to diagnosis and the use of imaging, and five to the assessment of the disease, its activity and comorbidities. Non-pharmacological therapies are the subject of one recommendation. Three recommendations concern initial treatment based on general corticosteroid therapy, five concern the reduction of corticosteroid therapy and follow-up, and two concern corticosteroid dependence and steroid-sparing treatments (anti-IL-6). CONCLUSION These recommendations take account of current data on PMR, with the aim of reducing exposure to corticosteroid therapy and its side effects in a fragile population. They are intended to be practical, to help practitioners in the day-to-day management of patients with PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wendling
- Rhumatologie, CHU de Besançon et Université de Franche-Comté, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon, France.
| | - Omar Al Tabaa
- Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Paris, France; Rhumatologie, Hôpital NOVO, Pontoise, France
| | - Baptiste Chevet
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU Brest, Université de Bretagne Occidentale (University Brest), INSERM (U1227), LabEx IGO, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Olivier Fakih
- Rhumatologie, CHU de Besançon et Université de Franche-Comté, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Roba Ghossan
- Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Maheu
- Service de rhumatologie, Hôpital St Antoine, AP-HP, et cabinet médical, Paris, France
| | - Alain Saraux
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU Brest, Université de Bretagne Occidentale (University Brest), INSERM (U1227), LabEx IGO, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Florent L Besson
- Service de médecine nucléaire-imagerie moléculaire, Hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Saclay AP-HP, CHU Bicêtre, DMU SMART IMAGING, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Bernard Cortet
- Service de rhumatologie, CHU de Lille, 59037 Lille, France
| | - Bruno Fautrel
- Service de rhumatologie, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1136-5, Réseau de recherche clinique CRI-IMIDIATE, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Renaud Felten
- Service de rhumatologie et centre d'investigation clinique 1434, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jacques Morel
- Service de rhumatologie. CHU et Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Solène Querellou-Lefranc
- Nuclear Medicine department, University Hospital, Brest, France, University of Western Brittany (UBO), Brest, France, Inserm, University of Brest, CHRU Brest, UMR 1304, GETBO, Brest cedex, France
| | - André Ramon
- Service de rhumatologie, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Adeline Ruyssen-Witrand
- Centre de rhumatologie, CHU de Toulouse, Centre d'Investigation Clinique de Toulouse CIC1436, Inserm, Team PEPSS « Pharmacologie En Population cohorteS et biobanqueS », Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Raphaèle Seror
- Service de rhumatologie, CHU Kremlin-Bicetre, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Anne Tournadre
- Rhumatologie CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne INRAe, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nathan Foulquier
- LBAI, UMR1227, University of Brest, Inserm, CHU de Brest, Brest, France
| | | | - Frank Verhoeven
- Rhumatologie, CHU de Besançon et Université de Franche-Comté, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Valérie Devauchelle-Pensec
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU Brest, Université de Bretagne Occidentale (University Brest), INSERM (U1227), LabEx IGO, 29200 Brest, France.
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Galli E, Muratore F, Warrington KJ. Current management of giant cell arteritis and its complications. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024:00002281-990000000-00123. [PMID: 38920090 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000001029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW This review provides an update on current management strategies for giant cell arteritis (GCA), emphasizing the need for alternative therapies to reduce disease relapses and mitigate glucocorticoid (GC)-related morbidity. RECENT FINDINGS The standard of care for GCA has traditionally involved prolonged use of GC, and recent studies are exploring faster GC tapering regimens in an effort to reduce adverse effects while maintaining disease control. Randomized clinical trials have highlighted the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor, in reducing disease flares and sparing GCs. However, the optimal treatment duration with TCZ is unknown and patients remain at risk of relapse after treatment discontinuation. An unmet therapeutic need persists for patients who are not candidates for TCZ, and for those who have inadequate response to this biologic. Therefore, investigations into alternative therapies such as targeting interleukin-17A, blocking T-cell activation or inhibiting the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway, showcase potential avenues for tailored treatments. SUMMARY While GCs remain the cornerstone of therapy, TCZ emerges as a promising GC-sparing agent. Ongoing research targeting different pathways implicated in GCA pathogenesis have led to encouraging results. However, the preliminary nature of these findings necessitates larger randomized controlled trials to establish their efficacy conclusively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Galli
- Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, ASST Settelaghi, Ospedale Di Circolo - Fondazione Macchi, Varese
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - Francesco Muratore
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Kenneth J Warrington
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Taze D, Chakrabarty A, Venkateswaran R, Hartley C, Harden C, Morgan AW, Mackie SL, Griffin KJ. Histopathology reporting of temporal artery biopsy specimens for giant cell arteritis: results of a modified Delphi study. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:464-470. [PMID: 37321853 PMCID: PMC11228225 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-208810] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is regarded as the gold-standard test in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). There is a lack of agreement among experienced pathologists regarding the diagnostic features and classification of inflammation observed in TAB sections in the diagnosis of GCA. AIMS The aim of this research study was to establish consensus on the key parameters which should be included in a standardised reporting proforma for TAB specimens. We specifically investigated factors pertaining to clinical information, specimen handling and microscopic pathological features. METHODS A modified Delphi process, comprising three survey rounds and three virtual consensus group meetings, was undertaken by 13 UK-based pathology or ophthalmology consultants, with a 100% response rate across the three rounds. Initial statements were formulated after a literature review and participants were asked to rate their agreement using a nine-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined a priori as an agreement of ≥70% and individual feedback was provided after each round, together with data on the distribution of group responses. RESULTS Overall, 67 statements reached consensus and 17 statements did not. The participants agreed on the core microscopic features to be included in a pathology report and felt that a proforma would facilitate consistent reporting practices. CONCLUSIONS Our work revealed uncertainty surrounding the correlation between clinical parameters (eg, laboratory markers of inflammation and steroid therapy duration) and microscopic findings, and we propose areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Taze
- Department of Histopathology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Arundhati Chakrabarty
- Department of Histopathology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Collette Hartley
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Charlotte Harden
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ann Wendy Morgan
- Department of Histopathology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sarah Louise Mackie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Kathryn Jane Griffin
- Department of Histopathology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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20
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Müller F, Pfob CH, Wahle M. [Unclear cause of unilateral blindness with normal inflammation parameters]. Z Rheumatol 2024:10.1007/s00393-024-01531-w. [PMID: 38874771 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-024-01531-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
A 70-year-old female patient presented with unilateral blindness of the right eye. As C‑reactive protein (CRP) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were inconspicuous, a nonarteritic embolic occlusion was assumed; however, after detailed anamnesis large vessel vasculitis (LVV) appeared more likely, which was confirmed by the subsequent imaging diagnostics. This rare case of LVV without an increase in one of the inflammatory parameters CRP or ESR highlights the importance of the medical history and targeted diagnostic procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Müller
- 3. Med. Klinik, Sektion Rheumatologie & Klinische Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland.
| | - Christian Helmut Pfob
- Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Nuklearmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Wahle
- 3. Med. Klinik, Sektion Rheumatologie & Klinische Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland
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21
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Macchioni P, Germanò G, Girolimetto N, Klinowski G, Gavioli L, Muratore F, Laneri A, Ricordi C, Marvisi C, Magnani L, Salvarani C. Ultrasound Examination of Common Carotid Adventitial Thickness Can Differentiate Takayasu Arteritis and Large Vessel Giant Cell Arteritis. J Pers Med 2024; 14:627. [PMID: 38929848 PMCID: PMC11205024 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060627] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological studies have demonstrated that the adventitial layer is markedly thickened in Takayasu (TAK) as compared to large vessel giant cell arteritis (LV-GCA). An ultrasound (US) examination of the arterial vessels allows the determination of intima media thickness (IMT) and of adventitial layer thickness (extra media thickness (EMT)). No previous study has evaluated if there are differences in EMT thickness between TAK and LV-GCA. In this cross-sectional retrospective study of stored ultrasound (US) imaging, we have compared common carotid artery (CCA) EMT and IMT in a series of consecutive TAK and LV-GCA patients. US examination CCA IMT and EMT were significantly higher in TAK as compared to LV-GCA. With ROC curve analysis, we have found that an EMT > 0.76 mm has high sensitivity and specificity for TAK CCA examination. The percentage of CCA at EMT > 0.76 mm and the total arterial wall thickening were significantly higher in TAK group examinations. EMT thickness correlated with disease duration and IMT in the TAK group, as well as with the IMT and ESR values in the LV-GCA group. Upon multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors independently associated with TAK CCA were EMT > 0.76 mm and age. No significant variation in IMT and EMT could be demonstrated in subsequent US CCA examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Macchioni
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Germanò
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Nicolò Girolimetto
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Giulia Klinowski
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Letizia Gavioli
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Francesco Muratore
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Laneri
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Caterina Ricordi
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Marvisi
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Magnani
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Division of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (G.G.); (N.G.); (G.K.); (L.G.); (F.M.); (A.L.); (C.M.); (L.M.); (C.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
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González-García A, Fabregate M, Serralta G, de Miguel Campo B, Noblejas-Mozo A, Robles-Marhuenda Á. The utility of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in detecting extracranial large vessel vasculitis in rheumatic polymyalgia or giant cell arteritis. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Clin Esp 2024:S2254-8874(24)00084-5. [PMID: 38852739 DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2024.06.005] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systematic review of current evidence to analyze the prevalence of extracranial large vessel vasculitis (LVV) using 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or giant cell arteritis (GCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed and EMBASE were searched and the results were screened by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistic and the Q test. Further subgroup analyses were performed by disease type, study quality, and 18F-FDG PET/CT uptake criteria. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's test. RESULTS 268 publications were identified, of which 17 met the selection criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of extracranial LVV by 18F-FDG PET/CT was 54.5% [95% CI: 42.6%-66.1%]. In patients with GCA the prevalence was significantly higher than in patients with PMR (60.1% vs. 41.8%, P = 0.006). Likewise, studies with a lower risk of bias reported a higher prevalence of extracranial LVV (61.1% vs. 46.9%; P = 0.010). No publication bias was observed. CONCLUSIONS The 18F-FDG PET/CT test may be useful in the detection of extracranial LVV, both in patients with PMR or GCA. Such involvement is more frequent in patients with GCA, and may vary depending on the quality of the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés González-García
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Martín Fabregate
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Serralta
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Infanta Sofía, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja de Miguel Campo
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Noblejas-Mozo
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Robles-Marhuenda
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
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23
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Koyama K, Ohgami A, Nawata T, Sato K, Fujinaka M, Shibuya M, Kitahara T, Yano M. Serial changes in anxiety levels related to corticosteroid use: A single-center prospective study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38489. [PMID: 38847708 PMCID: PMC11155556 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with autoimmune diseases treated with corticosteroids sometimes display feelings of anxiety regarding corticosteroid use. In this single-center prospective study, we aimed to evaluate the serial changes in anxiety levels related to corticosteroid use in 18 patients with autoimmune diseases. The degree of anxiety toward corticosteroid use was assessed using the visual analogue scale. Comprehension of drug characteristics and use was assessed using the Likert scale. To assess the patients' levels of depression and anxiety we used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. These surveys were conducted immediately before the initiation of corticosteroid therapy and just before discharge from the hospital. We observed a decrease in anxiety levels related to corticosteroid use and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores before discharge. However, we did not detect a correlation between these score changes. Additionally, we found that patients who had a poor understanding of the drugs showed little or no changes in their anxiety levels related to corticosteroid use at discharge. These results suggest that some aspects of anxiety related to corticosteroids might be groundless and substantiated by assumptions without a complete understanding of corticosteroid functioning. Patient education regarding corticosteroid use may lead to reductions in anxiety levels and improvement in quality of life of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayaka Ohgami
- Department of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Takashi Nawata
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Kana Sato
- Division of Nursing, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan
| | - Masafumi Fujinaka
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Masaki Shibuya
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | | | - Masafumi Yano
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
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Schmidt WA, Schäfer VS. Diagnosing vasculitis with ultrasound: findings and pitfalls. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2024; 16:1759720X241251742. [PMID: 38846756 PMCID: PMC11155338 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x241251742] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatologists are increasingly utilizing ultrasound for suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA) or Takayasu arteritis (TAK). This enables direct confirmation of a suspected diagnosis within the examination room without further referrals. Rheumatologists can ask additional questions and explain findings to their patients while performing ultrasound, preferably in fast-track clinics to prevent vision loss. Vascular ultrasound for suspected vasculitis was recently integrated into rheumatology training in Germany. New European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations prioritize ultrasound as the first imaging tool for suspected GCA and recommend it as an imaging option for suspected TAK alongside magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and computed tomography. Ultrasound is integral to the new classification criteria for GCA and TAK. Diagnosis is based on consistent clinical and ultrasound findings. Inconclusive cases require histology or additional imaging tests. Robust evidence establishes high sensitivities and specificities for ultrasound. Reliability is good among experts. Ultrasound reveals a characteristic non-compressible 'halo sign' indicating intima-media thickening (IMT) and, in acute disease, artery wall oedema. Ultrasound can further identify stenoses, occlusions and aneurysms, and IMT can be measured. In suspected GCA, ultrasound should include at least the temporal and axillary arteries bilaterally. Nearly all other arteries are accessible except the descending thoracic aorta. TAK mostly involves the common carotid and subclavian arteries. Ultrasound detects subclinical GCA in over 20% of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients without GCA symptoms. Patients with silent GCA should be treated as GCA because they experience more relapses and require higher glucocorticoid doses than PMR patients without GCA. Scores based on intima-thickness (IMT) of temporal and axillary arteries aid follow-up of GCA, particularly in trials. The IMT decreases more rapidly in temporal than in axillary arteries. Ascending aorta ultrasound helps monitor patients with extracranial GCA for the development of aneurysms. Experienced sonologists can easily identify pitfalls, which will be addressed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A. Schmidt
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Lindenberger Weg 19, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Valentin S. Schäfer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
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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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Bosch P, Espigol-Frigolé G, Cid MC, Mollan SP, Schmidt WA. Cranial involvement in giant cell arteritis. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 6:e384-e396. [PMID: 38574747 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Since its first clinical description in 1890, extensive research has advanced our understanding of giant cell arteritis, leading to improvements in both diagnosis and management for affected patients. Imaging studies have shown that the disease frequently extends beyond the typical cranial arteries, also affecting large vessels such as the aorta and its proximal branches. Meanwhile, advances in comprehending the underlying pathophysiology of giant cell arteritis have given rise to numerous potential therapeutic agents, which aim to minimise the need for glucocorticoid treatment and prevent flares. Classification criteria for giant cell arteritis, as well as recommendations for management, imaging, and treat-to-target have been developed or updated in the last 5 years, and current research encompasses a broad spectrum covering basic, translational, and clinical research. In this Series paper, we aim to discuss the current understanding of giant cell arteritis with cranial manifestations, describe the clinical approach to this condition, and explore future directions in research and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Bosch
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Georgina Espigol-Frigolé
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Insitut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria C Cid
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Insitut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Birmingham Neuro-Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; Translational Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Department of Rheumatology, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
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27
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Hemmig AK, Rottenburger C, Baruti L, Mensch N, Aschwanden M, Kyburz D, Pradella M, Staub D, Stegert M, Berger CT, Imfeld S, Sommer G, Daikeler T. Imaging to predict early relapses after treatment discontinuation in patients with large vessel giant cell arteritis - A cohort study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 66:152425. [PMID: 38442463 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152425] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the value of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting relapse after treatment discontinuation in patients with large-vessel giant cell arteritis (LV-GCA). METHODS This study included patients with LV-GCA whose treatment was discontinued between 2018 and 2023. All patients underwent PET/CT and/or MRI at the time of treatment discontinuation in clinical remission. Qualitative and quantitative PET/CT scores, by measuring standardized uptake values (SUV), and semiquantitative MRI scores of the aorta and supraaortic vessels were compared between patients who relapsed within 4 months after treatment discontinuation and those who did not. RESULTS Forty patients were included (median age 67.4 years, interquartile range (IQR) 60.8-74.0; 77.5 % females). Eleven patients (27.5 %) relapsed after treatment discontinuation (time to relapse 1.9 months, IQR 1.4-3.3). Patients who relapsed were comparable to those who remained in remission with respect to the presence of active vasculitis on MRI and/or PET/CT (54.5% vs. 58.6 %, p = 1.0), the number of segments with vasculitic findings on MRI (0, IQR 0.0-1.5, vs. 2, IQR 0.0-3.0, p = 0.221) or the highest SUV artery/liver ratio on PET/CT (1.5, IQR 1.4-1.6, vs. 1.3, IQR 1.2-1.6, p = 0.505). The median number of vasculitic segments on PET/CT was 2.5 (IQR 0.5-4.5) in those with vs. 0 (IQR 0.0-1.5, p = 0.085) in those without relapse, and the PET/CT scores 4.5 (IQR 0.75-8.25) vs. 0 (IQR 0.0-3.0, p = 0.172). CONCLUSION PET/CT or MRI at treatment stop did not predict relapse and may not be suited to guide treatment decisions in patients with LV-GCA in remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Hemmig
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Luan Baruti
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Noemi Mensch
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Aschwanden
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diego Kyburz
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maurice Pradella
- Department of Radiology, Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Staub
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mihaela Stegert
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph T Berger
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University Center for Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Imfeld
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Sommer
- Institute for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Daikeler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University Center for Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Kaymaz-Tahra S, Bayindir O, Ince B, Ozdemir İsik O, Kutu ME, Karakas O, Yildirim TD, Ademoglu Z, Ediboglu ED, Uludogan BCE, Ilgin C, Bilge NSY, Kasifoglu T, Akar S, Emmungil H, Onen F, Omma A, Kanitez NA, Yazici A, Cefle A, Inanc M, Aksu K, Keser G, Direskeneli H, Alibaz-Oner F. Comparison of methotrexate and azathioprine as the first-line steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents in patients with Takayasu's arteritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 66:152446. [PMID: 38669786 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152446] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosuppressive (IS) agents are recommended for the first-line treatment of patients with active Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) together with glucocorticoids (GCs). However, there is limited data comparing the efficacy and outcomes of different IS agents for this purpose. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of two most frequently used first-line IS agents, namely methotrexate (MTX) and azathioprine (AZA) in TAK patients. METHODS TAK patients who received any IS agent in addition to GCs as the initial therapy were included in this multicentre, retrospective cohort study. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data of the patients were assessed. In addition, a matched analysis (cc match) using variables 'age', 'gender' and 'diffuse aortic involvement' was performed between patients who received MTX or AZA as the first-line IS treatment. RESULTS We recruited 301 patients (F/M: 260/41, mean age: 42.2 ± 13.3 years) from 10 tertiary centres. As the first-line IS agent, 204 (67.8 %) patients received MTX, and 77 (25.6 %) received AZA. Less frequently used IS agents included cyclophosphamide in 17 (5.6 %), leflunomide in 2 (0.5 %) and mycophenolate mofetil in one patient. The remission, relapse, radiographic progression and adverse effect rates were similar between patients who received MTX and AZA as the first-line IS agent. Vascular surgery rate was significantly higher in the AZA group (23% vs. 9 %, p = 0.001), whereas the frequency of patients receiving ≤5 mg/day GCs at the end of the follow-up was significantly higher in the MTX group (76% vs 62 %, p = 0.034). Similarly, the rate of vascular surgery was higher in AZA group in matched analysis. Drug survival was similar between MTX and AZA groups (median 48 months, MTX vs AZA: 32% vs 42 %, p = 0.34). IS therapy was discontinued in 18 (12 MTX, 6 AZA) patients during the follow-up period due to remission. Among those patients, two patients had a relapse at 2 and 6 months, while 16 patients were still on remission at the end of a mean 69.4 (±50.9) months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Remission, relapse, radiographic progression and drug survival rates of AZA and MTX were similar for patients with TAK receiving an IS agent as the first-line f therapy. The rate of vascular surgery was higher and the rate of GC dose reduction was lower with AZA compared to MTX at the end of the follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema Kaymaz-Tahra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Bahceşehir University, Kadıkoy, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ozun Bayindir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burak Ince
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology Istanbul, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozdemir İsik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Emin Kutu
- Division of Rheumatology, Bakırkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Karakas
- Division of Rheumatology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tuba Demirci Yildirim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Ademoglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Elif Durak Ediboglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burcu Ceren Ekti Uludogan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Can Ilgin
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nazife Sule Yasar Bilge
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Timucin Kasifoglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Servet Akar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hakan Emmungil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Fatos Onen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Omma
- Division of Rheumatology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nilufer Alpay Kanitez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayten Yazici
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ayse Cefle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Murat Inanc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology Istanbul, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Aksu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Keser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Haner Direskeneli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Alibaz-Oner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Liao H, Du J, Li F, Yang S, Qi G, Pan L. Elevated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D: a potential indicator of remission in Takayasu arteritis patients with normal ESR and CRP levels. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:1979-1987. [PMID: 38598024 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-06957-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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of the present study was to investigate the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and disease remission in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) patients. METHODS This retrospective study included 59 patients in the study group and 80 patients in the validation cohort with TAK. After 6 months of therapy, patients were re-evaluated, and serum 25(OH)D levels were compared before and after treatment. Correlations between changes in 25(OH)D levels and changes in disease activity scores (NIH, ITAS2010, ITAS.A) were analyzed. Additionally, a predictive cut-off value for disease remission was determined. RESULTS After 6 months of therapy, serum 25(OH)D levels in TAK patients significantly increased compared to baseline [(18.33 ± 7.25)µg/L vs (11.77 ± 4.14) µg/L] (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were observed between the increasing changes in the 25(OH)D level and the decreasing changes in the reduced NIH, ITAS2010, and ITAS.A scores (r = 0.455, P < 0.001; r = 0.495, P < 0.001; and r = 0.352 P = 0.006, respectively). A change of 8.45 µg/L in 25(OH)D level was identified as the predictive cut-off value for TAK remission (sensitivity 54.1%, specificity 90.9%, area under the curve = 0.741). Similarly for patients with normal baseline ESR, sensitivity is 68.0%, specificity is 92.3%, and area under the curve is 0.831, and for patients with normal baseline CRP, sensitivity is 58.3%, specificity is 90.0%, and area under the curve is 0.748. Validation in an additional 80 patients demonstrated a higher remission rate in those with a 25(OH)D level change > 8.45 µg/L. CONCLUSION Serum 25(OH)D levels significantly increased after treatment in TAK patients, and an increase of ≥ 8.45 µg/L was predictive of disease remission, especially in individuals with normal baseline ESR and/or CRP levels. Key Points • Following treatment, there was a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D levels among TAK patients. • The elevated changes in 25(OH)D levels before and after treatment demonstrated a positive correlation with the reduction in disease activity scores. • In patients with TAK before and after treatment, an elevation in serum 25(OH)D levels exceeding 8.45 µg/L serves as an indicator for disease remission, particularly prominent in individuals with normal baseline ESR and/or CRP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing AnZhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Rd., Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing AnZhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Rd., Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Fengjuan Li
- Beijing AnZhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, the Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyu Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing AnZhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Rd., Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Guanming Qi
- Internal Medicine, Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Binghamton, NY, USA.
| | - Lili Pan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing AnZhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Rd., Beijing, 100029, China.
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van der Geest KSM, Sandovici M, Bley TA, Stone JR, Slart RHJA, Brouwer E. Large vessel giant cell arteritis. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 6:e397-e408. [PMID: 38574745 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(23)00300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis is the principal form of systemic vasculitis affecting people over 50. Large-vessel involvement, termed large vessel giant cell arteritis, mainly affects the aorta and its branches, often occurring alongside cranial giant cell arteritis, but large vessel giant cell arteritis without cranial giant cell arteritis can also occur. Patients mostly present with constitutional symptoms, with localising large vessel giant cell arteritis symptoms present in a minority of patients only. Large vessel giant cell arteritis is usually overlooked until clinicians seek to exclude it with imaging by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), or [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-PET-CT. Although the role of imaging in treatment monitoring remains uncertain, imaging by MRA or CTA is crucial for identifying aortic aneurysm formation during patient follow up. In this Series paper, we define the large vessel subset of giant cell arteritis and summarise its clinical challenges. Furthermore, we identify areas for future research regarding the management of large vessel giant cell arteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | - Maria Sandovici
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Thorsten A Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - James R Stone
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Riemer H J A Slart
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Schweiger L, Hafner F, Meinitzer A, Brodmann M, Dejaco C, Jud P. Association of clinical, imaging and laboratory parameters with adverse effects of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with giant cell arteritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1382946. [PMID: 38841591 PMCID: PMC11150613 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1382946] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is characterized by inflammation of large and medium vessels. First-line therapy for the treatment of GCA are glucocorticoids, which are effective while potential adverse effects should be considered, especially during long-term use. The aim was to investigate the incidence of glucocorticoids' adverse effects and potential predictors for them. Materials and methods 138 GCA patients were retrospectively evaluated for newly developed glucocorticoid adverse effects in 2020. Potential predictors, defined as initial glucocorticoid pulse therapy, relapse of GCA and concomitant polymyalgia rheumatica as well as parameters of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, including pulse-wave velocity and intima-media-thickness, were measured in 2012. Results Potential new glucocorticoid adverse effects per patient was 1 (25th-75th 0-3) of which chronic kidney disease progression (29%), bone fractures (23.2%), cataracts (18.1%), dementia, and arterial hypertension (each at 12.3%) were most commonly recorded. Significant associations were found between occurrence of any relapse and new diabetes mellitus and between initial glucocorticoid pulse therapy and new dementia (all with p < 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, any relapse was a predictor for developing diabetes mellitus (OR 9.23 [95% CI 1.33-64.05], p = 0.025). However, no correlations were observed between endothelial dysfunction or inflammatory parameters and development of new glucocorticoid adverse effects. Conclusion GCA relapses may be associated for development of diabetes mellitus potentially by increasing glucocorticoid doses. Parameters of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are not suited predictors for glucocorticoid adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Schweiger
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Franz Hafner
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Meinitzer
- Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marianne Brodmann
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Brunico (SABES-ASDAA), Brunico, Italy
| | - Philipp Jud
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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González-Gay MÁ, Heras-Recuero E, Blázquez-Sánchez T, Caraballo-Salazar C, Rengifo-García F, Castañeda S, Largo R. Broadening the clinical spectrum of giant cell arteritis: from the classic cranial to the predominantly extracranial pattern of the disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38757894 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2356741] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large vessel (LV) vasculitis that affects people aged 50 years and older. Classically, GCA was considered a disease that involved branches of the carotid artery. However, the advent of new imaging techniques has allowed us to reconsider the clinical spectrum of this vasculitis. AREASCOVERED This review describes clinical differences between patients with the cranial GCA and those with a predominantly extracranial LV-GCA disease pattern. It highlights differences in the frequency of positive temporal artery biopsy depending on the predominant disease pattern and emphasizes the relevance of imaging techniques to identify patients with LV-GCA without cranial ischemic manifestations. The review shows that so far there are no well-established differences in genetic predisposition to GCA regardless of the predominant phenotype. EXPERT COMMENTARY The large branches of the extracranial arteries are frequently affected in GCA. Imaging techniques are useful to identify the presence of 'silent' GCA in people presenting with polymyalgia rheumatica or with nonspecific manifestations. Whether these two different clinical presentations of GCA constitute a continuum in the clinical spectrum of the disease or whether they may be related but are definitely different conditions needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel González-Gay
- Division of Rheumatology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Santos Castañeda
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Largo
- Division of Rheumatology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
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Xu S, Jiemy WF, Brouwer E, Burgess JK, Heeringa P, van der Geest KSM, Alba-Rovira R, Corbera-Bellalta M, Boots AH, Cid MC, Sandovici M. Current evidence on the role of fibroblasts in large-vessel vasculitides: From pathogenesis to therapeutics. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103574. [PMID: 38782083 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103574] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Large-vessel vasculitides (LVV) comprise a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the aorta and its major branches. The most common forms of LVV are giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Both GCA and TAK are characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the vessel wall accompanied by a maladaptive immune and vascular response that promotes vascular damage and remodeling. The inflammatory process in LVV starts in the adventitia where fibroblasts constitute the dominant cell population. Fibroblasts are traditionally recognized for synthesizing and renewing the extracellular matrix thereby being major players in maintenance of normal tissue architecture and in tissue repair. More recently, fibroblasts have emerged as a highly plastic cell population exerting various functions, including the regulation of local immune processes and organization of immune cells at the site of inflammation through production of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors as well as cell-cell interaction. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on fibroblasts in LVV. Furthermore, we identify key questions that need to be addressed to fully understand the role of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Xu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - William F Jiemy
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Roser Alba-Rovira
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Corbera-Bellalta
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annemieke H Boots
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Maria C Cid
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sandovici
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands.
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Dejaco C, Ramiro S, Bond M, Bosch P, Ponte C, Mackie SL, Bley TA, Blockmans D, Brolin S, Bolek EC, Cassie R, Cid MC, Molina-Collada J, Dasgupta B, Nielsen BD, De Miguel E, Direskeneli H, Duftner C, Hočevar A, Molto A, Schäfer VS, Seitz L, Slart RHJA, Schmidt WA. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice: 2023 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:741-751. [PMID: 37550004 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To update the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging modalities in primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV). METHODS A systematic literature review update was performed to retrieve new evidence on ultrasound, MRI, CT and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for diagnosis, monitoring and outcome prediction in LVV. The task force consisted of 24 physicians, health professionals and patients from 14 countries. The recommendations were updated based on evidence and expert opinion, iterating until voting indicated consensus. The level of agreement was determined by anonymous votes. RESULTS Three overarching principles and eight recommendations were agreed. Compared to the 2018 version, ultrasound is now recommended as first-line imaging test in all patients with suspected giant cell arteritis, and axillary arteries should be included in the standard examination. As an alternative to ultrasound, cranial and extracranial arteries can be examined by FDG-PET or MRI. For Takayasu arteritis, MRI is the preferred imaging modality; FDG-PET, CT or ultrasound are alternatives. Although imaging is not routinely recommended for follow-up, ultrasound, FDG-PET or MRI may be used for assessing vessel abnormalities in LVV patients with suspected relapse, particularly when laboratory markers of inflammation are unreliable. MR-angiography, CT-angiography or ultrasound may be used for long-term monitoring of structural damage, particularly at sites of preceding vascular inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The 2023 EULAR recommendations provide up-to-date guidance for the role of imaging in the diagnosis and assessment of patients with LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Rheumatology, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Brunico Hospital (ASAA-SABES), Brunico, Italy
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Milena Bond
- Department of Rheumatology, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Brunico Hospital (ASAA-SABES), Brunico, Italy
| | - Philipp Bosch
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Department of Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisboa, Portugal
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sarah Louise Mackie
- Leeds Institute for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Thorsten A Bley
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Blockmans
- Clinical Department of General Internal Medicine Department, Research Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- General Internal Medicine Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Brolin
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ertugrul Cagri Bolek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Maria C Cid
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona. Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Molina-Collada
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon, UK
- Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Berit Dalsgaard Nielsen
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, Regional Hospital Horsens, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Eugenio De Miguel
- Department of Rheumatology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Haner Direskeneli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Christina Duftner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Division of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alojzija Hočevar
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anna Molto
- Department of Rheumatology, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM (U1153) Center of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Valentin Sebastian Schäfer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Section Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Luca Seitz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Riemer H J A Slart
- Medical Imaging Centre, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging, Universiteit Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Department of Rheumatology, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
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Hamel C, Avard B, Isaac N, Jassal D, Kirkpatrick I, Leipsic J, Michaud A, Worrall J, Nguyen ET. Canadian Association of Radiologists Cardiovascular Imaging Referral Guideline. Can Assoc Radiol J 2024:8465371241246425. [PMID: 38733286 DOI: 10.1177/08465371241246425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Cardiovascular Expert Panel is made up of physicians from the disciplines of radiology, cardiology, and emergency medicine, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. After developing a list of 30 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, a rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of these clinical/diagnostic scenarios. Recommendations from 48 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop 125 recommendation statements across the 30 scenarios (27 unique scenarios as 2 scenarios point to the CAR Thoracic Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guideline and the acute pericarditis subscenario is included under 2 main scenarios). This guideline presents the methods of development and the referral recommendations for acute chest pain syndromes, chronic chest pain, cardiovascular screening and risk stratification, pericardial syndromes, intracardiac/pericardial mass, suspected valvular disease cardiomyopathy, aorta, venous thrombosis, and peripheral vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candyce Hamel
- Canadian Association of Radiologists, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barb Avard
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Neil Isaac
- Department of Medical Imaging, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Davinder Jassal
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Bergen Cardiac Care Centre St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Iain Kirkpatrick
- Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jonathon Leipsic
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - James Worrall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elsie T Nguyen
- University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto General Hospital, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Wang J, Kong X, Ma L, Ding Z, Chen H, Chen R, Jin X, Chen C, Lin J, Jiang L. Treatment efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus tocilizumab in patients with active and severe Takayasu arteritis: an open-label study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1359-1367. [PMID: 37540159 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead387] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) vs tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHODS This was a randomized, controlled, open-label study. Forty patients with active and severe TAK were enrolled. They were treated with ADA (n = 21) combined with glucocorticoids (GCs) and MTX or TCZ (n = 19) combined with GCs and MTX. The planned follow-up duration was 12 months. The primary end point was the efficacy rate (ER) at 6 months. The secondary end points included ER at 9 and 12 months, relapse rate, GC tapering, adverse effects, and life quality changes during treatment. RESULTS In the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, the ER at 6 months was higher in the ADA group (85.71% vs 52.63%, P = 0.02). A similar direction of effect was noted in the per-protocol set (89.47% vs 62.50%, P = 0.06). The percentages of patients who achieved a GC dose of ≤10 mg/day at 6 months were similar between the ADA and TCZ groups (47.37% vs 43.75%, P = 0.83). The ERs at 9 and 12 months were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). During the first 12 months of treatment, the relapse rate and adverse event incidence were comparable between the two groups (ADA vs TCZ: 9.52% vs 10.53%, P = 0.96; 38.10% vs 47.37%, P = 0.55, respectively). CONCLUSION ADA combined with GCs and MTX may be more efficacious than TCZ combined with GCs and MTX among patients with active and severe TAK. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04300686.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiufang Kong
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenqi Ding
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongyi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuejuan Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Caizhong Chen
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lindi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Seitz L, Bucher S, Bütikofer L, Maurer B, Bonel HM, Wagner F, Lötscher F, Seitz P. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a comparison with T1-weighted black-blood imaging. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1403-1410. [PMID: 37555808 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead401] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the superficial cranial arteries in the diagnosis of GCA. METHODS Retrospectively, 156 patients with clinically suspected GCA were included. A new 4-point ordinal DWI rating scale was developed. A post-contrast, fat-suppressed, T1-weighted 'black-blood' sequence (T1-BB) was rated for comparison. Ten arterial segments were assessed: common superficial temporal arteries, temporal and parietal branches, occipital and posterior auricular arteries bilaterally. The expert clinical diagnosis after ≥6 months of follow-up was the diagnostic reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated for different rating methods. RESULTS The study cohort consisted of 87 patients with and 69 without GCA. For DWI, the area under the curve was 0.90. For a cut-off of ≥2 consecutive pathological slices, DWI showed a sensitivity of 75.9%, a specificity of 94.2% and a positive likelihood ratio of 13.09. With a cut-off of ≥3 consecutive pathological slices, sensitivity was 70.1%, specificity was 98.6% and the positive likelihood ratio was 48.38. For the T1-BB, values were 88.5%, 88.4% and 7.63, respectively. The inter-rater analysis for DWI with a cut-off of ≥2 pathological slices showed a kappa of 1.00 on the patient level and 0.85 on the arterial segment level. For the T1-BB the kappa was 0.78 and 0.79, respectively. CONCLUSION DWI of the superficial cranial arteries demonstrates a good diagnostic accuracy and reliability for the diagnosis of GCA. DWI is widely available and can be used immediately in clinical practice for patients with suspected GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Seitz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susana Bucher
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Britta Maurer
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Harald M Bonel
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Campusradiologie, Lindenhofgruppe, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Franca Wagner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Lötscher
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Seitz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Ness T, Nölle B. Giant Cell Arteritis. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2024; 241:644-652. [PMID: 38593832 DOI: 10.1055/a-2252-3371] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary vasculitis and is associated with potential bilateral blindness. Neither clinical nor laboratory evidence is simple and unequivocal for this disease, which usually requires rapid and reliable diagnosis and therapy. The ophthalmologist should consider GCA with the following ocular symptoms: visual loss or visual field defects, transient visual disturbances (amaurosis fugax), diplopia, eye pain, or new onset head or jaw claudication. An immediate ophthalmological examination with slit lamp, ophthalmoscopy, and visual field, as well as color duplex ultrasound of the temporal artery should be performed. If there is sufficient clinical suspicion of GCA, corticosteroid therapy should be initiated immediately, with prompt referral to a rheumatologist/internist and, if necessary, temporal artery biopsy should be arranged. Numerous developments in modern imaging with colour duplex ultrasonography, MRI, and PET-CT have the potential to compete with the classical, well-established biopsy of a temporal artery. Early determination of ESR and CRP may support RZA diagnosis. Therapeutically, steroid-sparing immunosuppression with IL-6 blockade or methotrexate can be considered. These developments have led to a revision of both the classification criteria and the diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations of the American College of Rheumatologists and the European League against Rheumatism, which are summarised here for ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ness
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Deutschland
- Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Bernhard Nölle
- Klinik für Ophthalmologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Deutschland
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Kang MK, Hong Y, Kim YH, Park HK, Kim SK, Sohn JH, Kim J, Kwon KH, Cho SJ. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up of Giant-Cell Arteritis: A Retrospective Multicenter Study. J Clin Neurol 2024; 20:306-314. [PMID: 38627226 PMCID: PMC11076186 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2023.0169] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Giant-cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common type of vasculitis in the elderly and is associated with high risks of visual loss and recurrence. Owing to its rarity in Asian populations, the current clinical interventions for these patients are not well known. Here we aimed to characterize the current management status of patients with GCA using Korean multicenter data. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed medical records of patients with GCA at six Korean university hospitals from February 2009 to November 2022. GCA had originally been diagnosed based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, and cases were selected for inclusion in this study based on the 2022 ACR/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria. We evaluated treatments, follow-up periods, and outcomes (relapse, remission, and adverse drug reactions) in patients with GCA with or without arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION). RESULTS This study analyzed 18 patients with a median age of 75.5 years that included 12 females (66.7%). Seven patients (38.8%) had AAION. All patients initially received prednisolone treatment, while four (22.2%) underwent adjuvant treatment with methotrexate and azathioprine during prednisolone tapering. During the median follow-up of 3.5 months (interquartile range: 2.0-23.2 months), 4 patients (22.2%) had prednisolone-related adverse reactions, 2 (11.1%) relapsed, and 13 (72.3%) dropped out. Nine patients (50.0%) experienced remission, with this being sustained in four (36.4%). CONCLUSIONS This study observed high dropout rates and short follow-ups. Adverse effects of prednisolone were common, and relapses occurred in approximately one-tenth of Korean patients with GCA. Thus, optimizing GCA treatment necessitates regular monitoring and long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Kyoung Kang
- Department of Neurology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Yooha Hong
- Department of Neurology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Yoo Hwan Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea
| | - Hong-Kyun Park
- Department of Neurology, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Soo-Kyoung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine and Gyeonsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
| | - Jong-Hee Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Ki-Han Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Cho
- Department of Neurology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Korea.
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Younger DS. Headaches and Vasculitis. Neurol Clin 2024; 42:389-432. [PMID: 38575258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.12.003] [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: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Vasculitis refers to heterogeneous clinicopathologic disorders that share the histopathology of inflammation of blood vessels. Unrecognized and therefore untreated, vasculitis of the nervous system leads to pervasive injury and disability making this a disorder of paramount importance to all clinicians. Headache may be an important clue to vasculitic involvement of central nervous system (CNS) vessels. CNS vasculitis may be primary, in which only intracranial vessels are involved in the inflammatory process, or secondary to another known disorder with overlapping systemic involvement. Primary neurologic vasculitides can be diagnosed with assurance after intensive evaluation that incudes tissue confirmation whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Medicine, Section of Neuroscience, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, USA.
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41
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Karabayas M, Ibrahim HE, Roelofs AJ, Reynolds G, Kidder D, De Bari C. Vascular disease persistence in giant cell arteritis: are stromal cells neglected? Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-225270. [PMID: 38684323 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225270] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), the most common systemic vasculitis, is characterised by aberrant interactions between infiltrating and resident cells of the vessel wall. Ageing and breach of tolerance are prerequisites for GCA development, resulting in dendritic and T-cell dysfunction. Inflammatory cytokines polarise T-cells, activate resident macrophages and synergistically enhance vascular inflammation, providing a loop of autoreactivity. These events originate in the adventitia, commonly regarded as the biological epicentre of the vessel wall, with additional recruitment of cells that infiltrate and migrate towards the intima. Thus, GCA-vessels exhibit infiltrates across the vascular layers, with various cytokines and growth factors amplifying the pathogenic process. These events activate ineffective repair mechanisms, where dysfunctional vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts phenotypically shift along their lineage and colonise the intima. While high-dose glucocorticoids broadly suppress these inflammatory events, they cause well known deleterious effects. Despite the emerging targeted therapeutics, disease relapse remains common, affecting >50% of patients. This may reflect a discrepancy between systemic and local mediators of inflammation. Indeed, temporal arteries and aortas of GCA-patients can show immune-mediated abnormalities, despite the treatment induced clinical remission. The mechanisms of persistence of vascular disease in GCA remain elusive. Studies in other chronic inflammatory diseases point to the fibroblasts (and their lineage cells including myofibroblasts) as possible orchestrators or even effectors of disease chronicity through interactions with immune cells. Here, we critically review the contribution of immune and stromal cells to GCA pathogenesis and analyse the molecular mechanisms by which these would underpin the persistence of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Karabayas
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hafeez E Ibrahim
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Anke J Roelofs
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gary Reynolds
- Centre for Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dana Kidder
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Cosimo De Bari
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Sun X, Fang C, Jin S, Li J, Yang Y, Zeng X, Tian X. Serum IL-6 level trajectory for predicting the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in the treatment of refractory Takayasu arteritis. Eur J Intern Med 2024:S0953-6205(24)00163-8. [PMID: 38643043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
AIM To explore the value of serial monitoring of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels for predicting treatment response and occurrence of adverse events during tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment in refractory Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHODS TAK patients receiving TCZ treatment were prospectively recruited and followed up at 1 month, 3 months and then every 3-6 months. Serum IL-6 levels were measured at each visit. Overall response was the combination of complete and partial response, requiring resolution of signs and symptoms, hsCRP and ESR level decreased at least by half, no progression on imaging and dose of glucocorticoid <15 mg/d. RESULTS Thirty-five patients with a median follow up duration of 17 [9-44] months were included. The change of IL-6 after TCZ treatment for 6 months compared to the baseline was significantly lower in patients achieved overall response at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. The ratio of IL-6 at 6 months to baseline could predict overall response at 12 and 24 months after TCZ treatment. With a cutoff value of 1.6, the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3 % and 87.5 % for 12 months, while 100 % and 88.9 % for 24 months. Patients with the ratio less than 1.6 were also 9 times more likely to achieve sustained improvement without treatment intensification. No correlation between IL-6 dynamics and occurrence of adverse events was found. CONCLUSIONS The change of IL-6 levels after TCZ treatment for 6 months compared to the baseline can predict the overall treatment response at 12 months, 24 months and sustained improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Chenglong Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shangyi Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yunjiao Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xinping Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China.
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Quick V, Benson F, Mackie SL. Life after tocilizumab given for giant cell arteritis: a patient survey and argument for re-treatment. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2024; 8:rkae054. [PMID: 38725437 PMCID: PMC11079613 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkae054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Quick
- Rheumatology Department, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
- PMRGCAuk Society, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah L Mackie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Stamatis P, Mohammad MA, Gisslander K, Merkel PA, Englund M, Turesson C, Erlinge D, Mohammad AJ. Myocardial infarction in a population-based cohort of patients with biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis in southern Sweden. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003960. [PMID: 38599652 PMCID: PMC11015192 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003960] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence rate (IR) of myocardial infarction (MI), relative risk of MI, and impact of incident MI on mortality in individuals with biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS MIs in individuals diagnosed with GCA 1998-2016 in Skåne, Sweden were identified by searching the SWEDEHEART register, a record of all patients receiving care for MI in a coronary care unit (CCU). The regional diagnosis database, with subsequent case review, identified GCA patients receiving care for MI outside of a CCU. A cohort of 10 reference subjects for each GCA case, matched for age, sex and area of residence, was used to calculate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of MI in GCA to that in the general population. RESULTS The GCA cohort comprised 1134 individuals. During 7958 person-years of follow-up, 102 were diagnosed with incident MI, yielding an IR of 12.8 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 10.3 to 15.3). The IR was highest in the 30 days following GCA diagnosis and declined thereafter. The IRR of MI in GCA to that of the background population was 1.29 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.59). Mortality was higher in GCA patients who experienced incident MI than in those without MI (HR 2.8; 95% CI 2.2 to 3.6). CONCLUSIONS The highest incidence of MI occurs within the 30 days following diagnosis of GCA. Individuals with GCA have a moderately increased risk of MI compared with a reference population. Incident MI has a major impact on mortality in GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Stamatis
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sunderby Hospital, Luleå, Sweden
| | | | - Karl Gisslander
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martin Englund
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopedics, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Carl Turesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Rheumatology, Lund Universtiy, Malmö, Sweden
| | - David Erlinge
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Cardiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Aladdin J Mohammad
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Seitz P, Lötscher F, Bucher S, Bütikofer L, Maurer B, Hakim A, Seitz L. Ultrasound intima-media thickness cut-off values for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis using a dual clinical and MRI reference standard and cardiovascular risk stratification. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1389655. [PMID: 38654833 PMCID: PMC11037081 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1389655] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To derive segmental cut-off values and measures of diagnostic accuracy for the intima-media thickness of compressed temporal artery segments for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) on the patient level. To examine the influence of cardiovascular risk. Methods Retrospectively, patients evaluated for GCA with an ultrasound of the temporal arteries and an MRI of the head, including a T1-fatsat-black blood (T1-BB) sequence, were identified and classified based on cardiovascular risk and a dual reference standard of T1-BB on the segmental level and the clinical diagnosis on the patient level. Intima-media thickness of the common superficial temporal artery (CSTA), frontal and parietal branches (FB, PB) were measured by compression technique. Statistically and clinically optimal (specificity of approx. 90% for the patient level) cut-offs were derived. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated on the patient level. Results The population consisted of 144 patients, 74 (51.4%) with and 70 (48.6%) without GCA. The statistically optimal cut-offs were 0.86 mm, 0.68 mm and 0.67 mm for the CSTA, the FB and PB, respectively. On the patient level sensitivity and specificity were 86.5 and 81.4%. Clinically optimal cut-offs were 1.01 mm, 0.82 mm and 0.69 mm and showed a sensitivity of 79.7% and a specificity of 90.0%. For patients without high cardiovascular risk, statistically optimal cut-offs showed a sensitivity of 89.6% and a specificity of 90.5%. Conclusion Newly derived ultrasound intima-media thickness cut-offs with a dual reference standard show high diagnostic accuracy on the patient level for the diagnosis of GCA, particularly in patients without high cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Seitz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Lötscher
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susana Bucher
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Bütikofer
- CTU Bern, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Maurer
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Arsany Hakim
- University Institute of Interventional and Diagnostic Neuroradiology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luca Seitz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Gallou S, Agard C, Dumont A, Deshayes S, Boutemy J, Maigné G, Martin Silva N, Nguyen A, Philip R, Espitia O, Aouba A, de Boysson H. Evolution and outcomes of aortic dilations in giant cell arteritis. Eur J Intern Med 2024:S0953-6205(24)00146-8. [PMID: 38580542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify factors associated with the progression of giant cell arteritis (GCA)-related or associated aortic dilations. METHODS In this retrospective study, 47 GCA patients with aortic dilation were longitudinally analyzed. Each patient underwent ≥2 imaging scans of the aorta during the follow-up. Three progression statuses of aortic dilations were distinguished: fast-progressive (FP) defined by a progression of the aortic diameter ≥5 mm/year or ≥1 cm/2 years, slow progressive (SP) by a progression of the aortic diameter >1 mm during the follow-up, and not progressive (NP) when aortic diameter remained stable. RESULTS Among the 47 patients with aortic dilation, the thoracic section was involved in 87 % of patients. Within a total follow-up of 89 [6-272] months, we identified 13 (28 %) patients with FP dilations, and 16 (34 %) and 18 (38 %) patients with SP and NP dilations, respectively. No differences regarding baseline characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors or treatments were observed among the 3 groups. However, FP patients more frequently showed atheromatous disease (p = 0.04), with a more frequent use of statins (p = 0.04) and antiplatelet agents (p = 0.02). Among the 27 (57 %) patients with aortitis, aortic dilation developed on an inflammatory segment in 23 (85 %). Among the FP patients who underwent aortic surgery with available histology (n = 3), all presented active vasculitis. CONCLUSION This study suggests that aortic inflammation, as well as atheromatous disease, might participate in the fast progression of aortic dilation in GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Gallou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Christian Agard
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Service de Médecine Interne, Nantes F-44000, France
| | - Anael Dumont
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Samuel Deshayes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Jonathan Boutemy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Gwénola Maigné
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | | | - Alexandre Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Rémi Philip
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Olivier Espitia
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Service de Médecine Interne, Nantes F-44000, France
| | - Achille Aouba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Hubert de Boysson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France.
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Roubille C. [Management of cardiovascular comorbidities in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases]. Rev Med Interne 2024; 45:194-199. [PMID: 37981509 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2023.11.001] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are at increased cardiovascular risk, which is the cause of persistent excess mortality despite increasingly effective specific treatment of the inflammatory and/or autoimmune disease. This increased cardiovascular risk is multifactorial, associated with accelerated atherosclerosis related to systemic inflammation, but also secondary to traditional cardiovascular risk factors and to the therapies used to control systemic inflammation. This justifies a coordinated, personalized management of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, based not only on the treatment of their disease to achieve the lowest level of activity, but also on the screening and management of their cardiovascular comorbidities and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Roubille
- Département de médecine interne, CHU de Lapeyronie, Montpellier, France; Inserm, PhyMedExp, CNRS, CHRU Montpellier, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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48
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De Gaspari M, Ascione A, Baldovini C, Marzullo A, Pucci A, Rizzo S, Salzillo C, Angelini A, Basso C, d’Amati G, di Gioia CRT, van der Wal AC, Giordano C. Cardiovascular pathology in vasculitis. Pathologica 2024; 116:78-92. [PMID: 38767541 PMCID: PMC11138763 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-993] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Vasculitides are diseases that can affect any vessel. When cardiac or aortic involvement is present, the prognosis can worsen significantly. Pathological assessment often plays a key role in reaching a definite diagnosis of cardiac or aortic vasculitis, particularly when the clinical evidence of a systemic inflammatory disease is missing. The following review will focus on the main histopathological findings of cardiac and aortic vasculitides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica De Gaspari
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Ascione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Baldovini
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular and Cardiac Transplant Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Marzullo
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pathology Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Pucci
- Histopathology Department, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padova, Italy
| | - Cecilia Salzillo
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pathology Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Angelini
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia d’Amati
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Allard C. van der Wal
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Giordano
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Tsalapaki C, Lazarini A, Argyriou E, Dania V, Boki K, Evangelatos G, Iliopoulos A, Pappa M, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG, Georgountzos A, Kaltsonoudis E, Voulgari P, Drosos AA, Theotikos E, Papagoras C, Dimitroulas T, Garyfallos A, Kataxaki E, Vosvotekas G, Boumpas D, Hadziyannis E, Vassilopoulos D. Glucocorticoid discontinuation rate and risk factors for relapses in a contemporary cohort of patients with giant cell arteritis. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:603-610. [PMID: 38300269 PMCID: PMC10914919 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05527-8] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The rates of relapses and therapy discontinuation in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) in the modern therapeutic era have not been defined. We aimed to evaluate the glucocorticoid (GC) discontinuation rate and the factors associated with relapses in a contemporary GCA cohort. Patient and treatment data were collected cross-sectionally at first evaluation and 2 years later (second evaluation), in a multicenter, prospective GCA cohort. Predictors of relapses were identified by logistic regression analyses. 243 patients with GCA were initially included (67% women, mean age at diagnosis: 72.1 years, median disease duration: 2 years) while 2 years later complete data for 160 patients were available and analyzed. All patients had received GCs at diagnosis (mean daily prednisolone dose: 40 mg) while during follow-up, 37% received non-biologic and 16% biologic agents, respectively. At second evaluation, 72% of patients were still on therapy (GCs: 58% and/or GC-sparing agents: 29%). Relapses occurred in 27% of patients during follow-up; by multivariable logistic regression analysis, large vessel involvement at diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) = 4.22], a cardiovascular event during follow-up (OR = 4.60) and a higher initial GC daily dose (OR = 1.04), were associated with these relapses. In this large, real-life, contemporary GCA cohort, the rates of GC discontinuation and relapses were 40% and 27%, respectively. Large vessel involvement, a higher GC dose at diagnosis and new cardiovascular events during follow-up were associated with relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tsalapaki
- School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration", 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave., 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyro Lazarini
- General Hospital "Asklepieio", Rheumatology Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vassiliki Dania
- General Hospital "Sismanogleio", Rheumatology Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Boki
- General Hospital "Sismanogleio", Rheumatology Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Maria Pappa
- School of Medicine, General Hospital "Laiko", 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- School of Medicine, General Hospital "Laiko", 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- School of Medicine, General Hospital "Laiko", 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Charalampos Papagoras
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- School of Medicine, 4th Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Emilia Hadziyannis
- School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration", 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave., 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- School of Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration", 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave., 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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Sugihara T, Yoshifuji H, Uchida HA, Maejima Y, Watanabe Y, Tanemoto K, Umezawa N, Manabe Y, Ishizaki J, Shirai T, Nagafuchi H, Hasegawa H, Niiro H, Ishii T, Nakaoka Y, Harigai M. Establishing clinical remission criteria for giant cell arteritis: Results of a Delphi exercise carried out by an expert panel of the Japan Research Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare for Intractable Vasculitis. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:568-575. [PMID: 37225423 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road046] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a proposal for giant cell arteritis remission criteria in order to implement a treat-to-target algorithm. METHODS A task force consisting of 10 rheumatologists, 3 cardiologists, 1 nephrologist, and 1 cardiac surgeon was established in the Large-vessel Vasculitis Group of the Japanese Research Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for Intractable Vasculitis to conduct a Delphi survey of remission criteria for giant cell arteritis. The survey was circulated among the members over four reiterations with four face-to-face meetings. Items with a mean score of ≥4 were extracted as items for defining remission criteria. RESULTS An initial literature review yielded a total of 117 candidate items for disease activity domains and treatment/comorbidity domains of remission criteria, of which 35 were extracted as disease activity domains (systematic symptoms, signs and symptoms of cranial and large-vessel area, inflammatory markers, and imaging findings). For the treatment/comorbidity domain, ≤5 mg/day of prednisolone 1 year after starting glucocorticoids was extracted. The definition of achievement of remission was the disappearance of active disease in the disease activity domain, normalization of inflammatory markers, and ≤5 mg/day of prednisolone. CONCLUSION We developed proposals for remission criteria to guide the implementation of a treat-to-target algorithm for giant cell arteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Sugihara
- Department of Lifetime Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Rheumatology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Hajime Yoshifuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haruhito A Uchida
- Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Maejima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Watanabe
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tanemoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Natsuka Umezawa
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Manabe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Jun Ishizaki
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shirai
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nagafuchi
- Division of Rheumatology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hasegawa
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Niiro
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomonori Ishii
- Clinical Research, Innovation and Education Center, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakaoka
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Harigai
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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