Management of Takayasu arteritis: a systematic literature review informing the 2018 update of the EULAR recommendation for the management of large vessel vasculitis

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

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

Diagnosing vasculitis with ultrasound: findings and pitfalls

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.

New Therapeutic Approaches to Large-Vessel Vasculitis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are large-vessel vasculitides affecting the aorta and its branches. Arterial damage from these diseases may result in ischemic complications, aneurysms, and dissections. Despite their similarities, the management of GCA and TAK differs. Glucocorticoids are used frequently but relapses are common, and glucocorticoid toxicity contributes to significant morbidity. Conventional immunosuppressive therapies can be beneficial in TAK, though their role in the management of GCA remains unclear. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors improve remission rates and appear to limit vascular damage in TAK; these agents are not beneficial in GCA. Tocilizumab is the first biologic glucocorticoid-sparing agent approved for use in GCA and also appears to be effective in TAK. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of both conditions and the availability of targeted therapies hold much promise for future management.

Arterial Stiffness as a Surrogate Marker of Cardiovascular Disease and Atherosclerosis in Patients with Vasculitides: A Literature Review

Vasculitis, a group of systemic inflammatory diseases that affect the cardiovascular (CV) system, presents with a variety of clinical manifestations that depend on the size of the affected blood vessels. While some types of vasculitis reveal distinct symptoms, others are characterized by more diffuse and nonspecific presentations that can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation. Interestingly, patients with vasculitides share a significant comorbidity: an elevated CV risk, contributing to increased rates of CV events and mortality. This heightened risk is caused by cumulative inflammatory burden, traditional CV risk factors, medication effects, and reduced physical fitness. Traditional risk assessment tools, commonly used in the general population, frequently underestimate the CV risk in patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Consequently, novel approaches are necessary to stratify the precise CV risk in vasculitis patients. A number of surrogate parameters for CV risk have been investigated, with arterial stiffness emerging as a promising marker. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a well-established method for assessing arterial stiffness and predicting CV risk across different populations. Among numerous PWV variants, carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) stands out as the most extensively studied and accepted reference standard. It has demonstrated its utility as a surrogate CV parameter both in the general population and in patients with systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. In recent years, research has expanded to assess arterial stiffness in systemic rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, connective tissue diseases, rheumatologic overlap syndromes, and chronic pain disorders, using measurements of PWV and other markers of arterial compliance and elasticity. Despite burgeoning research in rheumatologic diseases, data on CV risk markers in vasculitides remain limited and fragmented. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of arterial stiffness as a potential screening marker for CV diseases, atheromatosis, and ultimately CV risk among patients with vasculitides.

A Young Female Newly Diagnosed With Takayasu's Arteritis Masquerading As Cerebrovascular Stroke

The condition known as Takayasu's disease or Takayasu's arteritis is a type of vascular inflammation that affects the large and medium arteries. It can lead to a reduction in blood flow to various parts of the body, and it can cause severe complications. Patients with this disease may not have specific symptoms, which can lead to their diagnosis not being confirmed. Takayasu's disease is believed to be a probable cause of stroke in young patients. Although stroke is a common cause of morbidity, it is usually not an initial presentation in Takayasu's disease. In this study, a young female with left-sided hemiparesis was diagnosed with Takayasu's disease after a clinical and angiographic examination.

Endovascular treatment of Takayasu arteritis in a middle-aged woman with syncope and limb claudication: a case report

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a disease that causes inflammation and stenosis of medium to large blood vessels. We report a case of a 50-year-old female patient with newly developed hypertension, syncope, and claudication of the extremities. Total occlusion of the left subclavian artery at the origin was found and significant stenosis of the right common iliac artery was revealed by hemodynamic analysis. She was successfully treated with percutaneous angioplasty for multiple peripheral arterial diseases and was finally diagnosed with TA. In consultation with a rheumatologist, medical treatment for TA was initiated, the patient's hypertension disappeared, and her claudication symptoms improved.

Age at diagnosis influences the clinical phenotype, treatment strategies and outcomes in patients with giant cell arteritis: results from the observational GCAGE study on a large cohort of 1004 patients

BACKGROUND

Immune and vascular ageing are proposed risk factors for giant cell arteritis (GCA). Data on the impact of age at diagnosis of GCA on the clinical presentation and course of the disease are scarce.

METHODS

Patients with GCA followed at referral centres within the Italian Society of Rheumatology Vasculitis Study Group were enrolled up to November 2021. Patients were grouped according to age at diagnosis: ≤64, 65-79 and ≥80 years old.

RESULTS

The study included 1004 patients, mean age 72.1±8.4, female 70.82%. Median follow-up duration was 49 (IQR 23-91) months. Patients in the oldest group (≥80 years) had significantly more cranial symptoms, ischaemic complications and risk for blindness compared with the groups 65-79 and ≤64 years (blindness: 36.98% vs 18.21% vs 6.19%; p<0.0001). Large-vessel-GCA was more frequent in the youngest group (65% of patients). Relapses occurred in 47% of patients. Age did not influence the time to first relapse, nor the number of relapses. Older age was negatively associated with the number of adjunctive immunosuppressants. Patients >65 years old had 2-3 fold increased risk for aortic aneurysm/dissection up to 60 months follow-up. Serious infections, but not other treatment-related complications (hypertension, diabetes, osteoporotic fractures), were significantly associated with older age. Mortality occurred in 5.8% of the population with age >65, cranial and systemic symptoms as independent risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The highest risk of ischaemic complications, aneurysm development, serious infections and the possible undertreatment make of GCA a very challenging disease in the oldest patients.

Biologic therapy in large and small vessels vasculitis, and Behçet's disease: Evidence- and practice-based guidance

OBJECTIVE

Vasculitis are a very heterogenous group of systemic autoimmune diseases, affecting large vessels (LVV), small vessels or presenting as a multisystemic variable vessel vasculitis. We aimed to define evidence and practice-based recommendations for the use of biologics in large and small vessels vasculitis, and Behçet's disease (BD).

METHODS

Recommendations were made by an independent expert panel, following a comprehensive literature review and two consensus rounds. The panel included 17 internal medicine experts with recognized practice on autoimmune diseases management. The literature review was systematic from 2014 until 2019 and later updated by cross-reference checking and experts' input until 2022. Preliminary recommendations were drafted by working groups for each disease and voted in two rounds, in June and September 2021. Recommendations with at least 75% agreement were approved.

RESULTS

A total of 32 final recommendations (10 for LVV treatment, 7 for small vessels vasculitis and 15 for BD) were approved by the experts and several biologic drugs were considered with different supporting evidence. Among LVV treatment options, tocilizumab presents the higher level of supporting evidence. Rituximab is recommended for treatment of severe/refractory cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Infliximab and adalimumab are most recommended in treatment of severe/refractory BD manifestations. Other biologic drugs can be considered is specific presentations.

CONCLUSION

These evidence and practice-based recommendations are a contribute to treatment decision and may, ultimately, improve the outcome of patients living with these conditions.

Efficacy and safety of leflunomide in the management of large vessel vasculitis: A systematic review and metaanalysis of cohort studies

OBJECTIVE

The search for new glucocorticoid-sparing disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs continues to be an unmet need in large vessel vasculitis (LVV). This report aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of leflunomide (LEF) in Takayasu arteritis (TA) and giant cell arteritis (GCA).

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature, searching for studies evaluating the efficacy of LEF in LVV. A meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects method.

RESULTS

The literature search identified eight studies that assessed LEF in TAK and seven in GCA. All were uncontrolled observational studies with a high risk of bias, implying a low or very-low certainty of evidence. In TAK, the pooled proportion of patients achieving at least a partial remission was 75% (95% CI: 0.64-0.84), angiographic stabilization was observed in 86% (0.77-0.94) and relapses in 12% (0.05-0.21). The mean reduction in the prednisolone dose (MRPD) after LEF treatment was 15.7 mg/d (10.28-21.16). Adverse events were observed in 8% of patients (0.02-0.16). Comparison of LEF with methotrexate (MTX) or cyclophosphamide revealed LEF to be superior in terms of remission induction, relapse prevention, and tolerance. When compared with tofacitinib, both drugs demonstrated comparable efficacy. In GCA, the pooled proportion of patients achieving at least a partial remission was 60% (0.17-0.95). The MRPD after LEF treatment was 15.63 mg/d (1.29-32.55) and 53% of the patients were able to discontinue glucocorticoids (0.25 - 0.80). Relapses were observed in 21% of cases (0.14- 0.28) and adverse events in 28% (0.12-0.46). Comparison of LEF with MTX showed similar efficacy and tolerance.

CONCLUSION

LEF is well tolerated and might be effective for patients with TAK and GCA.

Anaemia can be improved by controlling the disease activity of Takayasu's arteritis without iron administration

BACKGROUND

Anaemia is a common clinical manifestation observed in Takayasu's arteritis (TAK), but few studies have been conducted. This study investigated whether improvement of inflammatory indicators was associated with improvement of anaemia in TAK. We also investigated whether iron supplement treatment could benefit in addition to immunosuppressant therapy in the anaemia patients with TAK.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 160 patients diagnosed with TAK. All patients were further assigned into anaemia group (67 cases) or non-anaemia group (93 cases) according to their haemoglobin levels. Fifty two anaemia patients completed follow-up (median 5.2 months).

RESULTS

There were 67 (41.88%) anaemia patients among all 160 TAK patients. Compared to TAK patients without anaemia, the average age [32 (24, 45) vs. 40 (31, 48), p = 0.002], disease duration [36 (7, 120) vs. 72 (14, 162), p = 0.017] and BMI [21.43 (18.96, 23.81) vs. 22.86 (20.09, 25.81), p = 0.008] were significantly lower in TAK patients with anaemia. The levels of ESR [23 (15, 51) vs. 11 (5.5, 22), p = 0.0001] and CRP [9.33 (1.99, 27.8) vs. 1.99 (0.45, 6.68), p = 0.0001] were significantly increased in TAK patients who complicated with anaemia. After follow-up, decrease of ESR, CRP and disease activity score (NIH and ITAS) were significantly associated with improvement of anaemia. One unit decrease of ESR and CRP, the hazard ratio of the improvement rate of anaemia was 1.02 [95% CI (1.00, 1.03); p = 0.027] and 1.04 [95% CI (1.02, 1.07); p < 0.001] respectively. One point decrease of NIH and ITAS-A was associated with a higher probability of anaemia improvement [HR 95% CI: 1.25 (1.02, 1.41), p = 0.022, HR 95% CI: 1.62 (1.21, 2.17), p = 0.001]. These relationships were consistent between iron supplement treatment group and without iron supplement treatment group. We found no significant difference in cumulative hazard between the two groups (p = 0.692).

CONCLUSION

Anaemia was a common complication in TAK. Decrease of ESR, CRP and disease activity score (NIH and ITAS) were significantly associated with improvement of anaemia, even after adjusting for various covariates. Moreover, these relationships were consistent between iron supplement treatment group and without iron supplement treatment group. There was no significant difference in the improvement of anaemia in patients receiving immunosuppressant therapy with or without iron supplement treatment.

Might IgA be a Biomarker of Disease Activity in Takayasu Arteritis?

Takayasu arteritis is a systemic vasculitis of the large vessels and mainly affects Japanese and Southeast Asian women in the second and third decades of life. Inflammatory infiltrate affects the full thickness of the vessel wall, inducing progressive lumen stenosis and occlusion. The main biomarkers of disease activity are the ESR, CRP and serum levels of circulating cytokines. This case report describes the clinical history of a young woman with Takayasu disease with high serum levels of IgA at onset. IgA remained elevated with persistence of disease activity, and normalized only when the patient was treated with an anti-TNF agent (infliximab), which also induced a clinical response in the vasculitis. IgA levels, together with other inflammatory parameters, may be considered a biomarker of disease activity.

LEARNING POINTS

This case report highlights the need to increase the number of humoral markers used to assess disease course in Takayasu arteritis (TA).IgA may be considered a biomarker of TA disease activity.Serum IgA levels may be helpful to identify TA patients not responding to traditional therapy.

Treatment of childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis: switching between anti-TNF and anti-IL-6 agents

OBJECTIVES

Biologics are new treatment alternatives in Takayasu arteritis (TA), although data in childhood are limited. The aim of this study was to share our experience in seven childhood-onset TA patients who received a TNF-α inhibitor (adalimumab) or an IL-6 receptor inhibitor (tocilizumab) and the effect of switching therapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the medical treatment records of seven patients with TA, followed between August 2005 and January 2021 at the Pediatric Rheumatology Department of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 14 (IQR 4) years, and six were female. All of the patients had severe disease and high acute-phase reactants. The patients initially received only steroids or steroids+CYC. Prednisone was decreased, and biologic agents were started once the acute phase reactants decreased, and the Indian Takayasu Activity Score (ITAS) returned to normal. Initially, four patients received tocilizumab (TCZ) [median 25.5 (IQR 41) months] and three patients received adalimumab (ADA) [median 13 (IQR 31) months]. However, due to the progression of MR angiography findings or persistent elevation in acute-phase reactants, the biologic agents were switched from TCZ to ADA in four patients and from ADA to TCZ in three patients. The patients' median follow-up time after changing was 50 (IQR 77) months, and median ITAS was evaluated as '0' after 2 (IQR 4) months.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, both TNF-α and IL-6 inhibitors are effective alternatives in treating patients with childhood-onset TA. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed for the comparison of their effectiveness.

Clinical observations on infliximab treatment of infantile onset Takayasu arteritis

BACKGROUND

There is insufficient evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of infliximab (IFX) treatment of Takayasu arteritis (TA) in infants.

METHODS

We evaluated the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of IFX in a retrospective case series of 10 infantile TA patients. Observations included assessment of clinical symptoms, laboratory testing, and vascular imaging.

RESULTS

Fever was the presenting symptom for 8 of 10 infants with TA. During acute episodes, leucocyte and inflammatory indices were significantly increased. Vascular imaging showed the most commonly involved arteries to be carotid arteries, abdominal aortas, and coronary arteries (9 cases, 90%). Two weeks after initiating IFX treatment, leukocyte and platelet counts decreased and hemoglobin levels increased. There were statistically significant clinical improvements 6 weeks after starting treatment compared with before treatment (p < 0.05). Inflammatory indices decreased 2 weeks after starting IFX treatment compared with before treatment (p < 0.05). Vascular lesions began to recover within 1.5-3 months of initiating IFX therapy, and involved vessels significantly recovered within 13 months. Some arteries remained stenotic, with intimal thickening and uneven lumen wall thicknesses. The only adverse event was a treatment-responsive allergic reaction during IFX infusion in one infant.

CONCLUSIONS

Fever was the main manifestation of illness and was often accompanied by significantly increased inflammatory indices. IFX treatment was apparently effective and reduced or eliminated need for glucocorticoids. IFX had a reasonably good safety profile.

Large-Vessel Vasculitis in Ophthalmology: Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis

ABSTRACT

Giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis are large-vessel vasculitides that share multiple common features but also have significant differences in epidemiology, demographics, clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment. Giant cell arteritis is more common in elderly patients of Caucasian descent versus Takayasu arteritis, which is more prevalent in younger patients of Asian descent. Although traditionally age has been the main criterion for differentiating the 2 etiologies, modifications in the diagnostic criteria have recognized the overlap between the 2 conditions. In this monograph, we review the diagnostic criteria for both conditions and describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, histology, evaluation, and management for large-vessel vasculitis in ophthalmology. Additionally, we describe ocular imaging techniques that may be utilized by ophthalmologists to identify manifestations of large-vessel vasculiti- des in patients. Lastly, we compare and contrast the key clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features that might help ophthalmologists to differentiate the 2 entities.

The Italian Society of Rheumatology clinical practice guidelines for the management of large vessel vasculitis

Objective: Since of the last publication of last recommendations on primary large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) endorsed by the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) in 2012, new evidence emerged regarding the diagnosis and the treatment with conventional and biologic immunosuppressive drugs. The associated potential change of clinical care supported the need to update the original recommendations. Methods: Using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT framework, a systematic literature review was performed to update the evidence supporting the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) guidelines on LVV as reference. A multidisciplinary panel of 12 expert clinicians, a trained nurse, and a patients’ representative discussed the recommendation in cooperation with an Evidence Review Team. Sixty-one stakeholders were consulted to externally review and rate the recommendations. Results: Twelve recommendations were formulated. A suspected diagnosis of LVV should be confirmed by imaging or histology. In active GCA or TAK, the prompt commencement of high dose of oral glucocorticoids (40-60 mg prednisone-equivalent per day) is strongly recommended to induce clinical remission. In selected patients with GCA (e.g., refractory or relapsing disease or patients at risk of glucocorticoid related adverse effects) the use of an adjunctive therapy (tocilizumab or methotrexate) is recommended. In all patients diagnosed with TAK, adjunctive therapies, such as conventional synthetic or biological immunosuppressants, should be given in combination with glucocorticoids. Conclusions: The new set of SIR recommendations was formulated in order to provide a guidance on both diagnosis and treatment of patients suspected of or with a definite diagnosis of LVV.

Novel Therapies in Takayasu Arteritis

Takayasu Arteritis (TAK) is a large-vessel vasculitis that preferentially involves the aorta and its primary branches. Cardiac involvement is frequent in TAK and is a major determinant of the patient's outcome. Glucocorticoids (GC) are the mainstay of therapy for TAK, with high doses of GC effective to induce remission. However, relapses are common and lead to repeated and prolonged GC treatments with high risk of related adverse events. Potential GC toxicity is a major concern, especially because patients with TAK are young and need to be treated for several years, often for the whole life. Conventional immunosuppressive drugs are used in patients with severe manifestations but present some limitations. New therapeutic approaches are needed for patients with refractory disease or contraindications to conventional therapies. Fortunately, major progress has been made in understanding TAK pathogenesis, leading to the development of targeted biotherapies. In particular, IL-6 and TNF-α pathways seems to be the most promising therapeutic targets, with emerging data on Tocilizumab and TNF inhibitors. On the other hand, new insights on JAK-Inhibitors, Rituximab, Ustekinumab and Abatacept have been explored in recent studies. This review summarizes the emerging therapies used in TAK, focusing on the most recent studies on biologics and analyzing their efficacy and safety.

[Biologics for connective tissue diseases and vasculitides]

Despite therapy with glucocorticoids (GC) and conventional immunosuppressants, patients with connective tissue diseases and vasculitides often develop functionally relevant and prognostically unfavourable internal organ damage. Based on new pathogenetic insights, biologics and small molecules have recently been studied as targeted therapies for collagen vascular diseases and vasculitides. The B lymphocyte stimulator antagonist belimumab has been used for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for several years and has recently also been approved as an add-on therapy for lupus nephritis. Anifrolumab, an antibody against the type‑1 interferon receptor, has also been shown to be effective in phase III trials for the treatment of SLE. The interleukin (IL)-6-antagonist tocilizumab showed efficacy in the treatment of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and thus has been approved in the USA, although the phase III trial had a negative primary endpoint. In Europe the tyrosine inhibitor nintedanib is approved for progressive ILD in SSc. Tocilizumab is approved for the treatment of giant cell arteritis and reduces both the risk of recurrence and the cumulative GC requirement. The B‑lymphocyte depleting antibody rituximab is approved for induction and maintenance therapy of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and is currently also being investigated for the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). In patients with EGPA, the IL‑5 antibody mepolizumab leads to improved disease control and reduces GC requirements. A phase III trial of the small molecule antagonist avacopan targeting the complement C5a receptor as a replacement for high-dose GC in induction therapy of GPA and MPA met its primary endpoints. Various other biologics and small molecule antagonists are currently in clinical development for several type of vasculitis and collagen vascular diseases, some of them at advanced stages.

Large-vessel vasculitis

Large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) manifests as inflammation of the aorta and its major branches and is the most common primary vasculitis in adults. LVV comprises two distinct conditions, giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis, although the phenotypic spectrum of primary LVV is complex. Non-specific symptoms often predominate and so patients with LVV present to a range of health-care providers and settings. Rapid diagnosis, specialist referral and early treatment are key to good patient outcomes. Unfortunately, disease relapse remains common and chronic vascular complications are a source of considerable morbidity. Although accurate monitoring of disease activity is challenging, progress in vascular imaging techniques and the measurement of laboratory biomarkers may facilitate better matching of treatment intensity with disease activity. Further, advances in our understanding of disease pathophysiology have paved the way for novel biologic treatments that target important mediators of disease in both giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. This work has highlighted the substantial heterogeneity present within LVV and the importance of an individualized therapeutic approach. Future work will focus on understanding the mechanisms of persisting vascular inflammation, which will inform the development of increasingly sophisticated imaging technologies. Together, these will enable better disease prognostication, limit treatment-associated adverse effects, and facilitate targeted development and use of novel therapies.

[Primary vasculitides in childhood and adulthood]

Primary systemic vasculitides can be observed at any age. Some vasculitides occur preferentially in childhood, such as Kawasaki syndrome or immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis, whereas others, such as giant cell arteritis, occur beyond the age of 50 years. Vasculitides occurring in childhood or adolescence and adulthood may have different phenotypes, different disease courses and outcomes depending on the age of manifestation. For example, those with Takayasu arteritis beginning in adolescence have different vascular involvement, a higher degree of systemic inflammation and a more aggressive course of disease than those with adult-onset disease. In contrast, IgA vasculitis is more severe in adults than in children. The causes for the age predilections and different age-dependent disease manifestations have not yet been clarified. The therapeutic principles are similar for vasculitides occurring in children or adolescents and adults. The first international evidence-based treatment recommendations are now available for juvenile vasculitides, although the evidence for certain forms of treatment is still very limited. The treatment of adult vasculitides can be guided by numerous national and international guidelines and recommendations. Many vasculitides carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality and the timely detection and treatment are therefore necessary. In this article, similarities and differences in the clinical presentations, treatment, courses and prognosis of vasculitides in children or adolescents and adults are discussed.

[Acute cardiovascular complications in a Peruvian population of oncology patients]

Objective

To know the most frequent acute cardiovascular complications in a Peruvian population of oncologic patients.

Materials and methods

Retrospective, descriptive study of oncologic patients treated at Clinica Delgado between January 2014 and December 2019, from which the subgroup with the seven most prevalent cancers at the national level was selected according to information from Globocan 2018. Additionally, we evaluated the epidemiology of patients with cardiovascular complications that conditioned their hospitalization or were detected during this, calculating their cardiovascular risk according to Hermann and SCORE risk scales.

Results

Forty-four patients had complications; 27 (61.4%) were hospitalized due to acute cardiovascular causes. The mean age of this subgroup was 69.88 years (SD 12.77), and 22 (81.5%) were older than 60 years. Fourteen (51.9%) were male. According to the Hermann scale, 33.3% had intermediate-risk and 14.9% had a high or very high risk. According to the SCORE scale, 62.97% had an intermediate-risk and 7.40% high risk. The most common acute cardiovascular complications were deep vein thrombosis and ischemic stroke (66.65%). One patient (3.7%) reported previous cardiovascular disease. Four patients (14.8%) had a fatal outcome during hospitalization. The median length of hospitalization was five days.

Conclusions

We present the cases of acute cardiovascular complications in a population of oncologic patients and their vascular risk according to Hermann and SCORE scales. The most common complications were deep vein thrombosis (48.14%), stroke (18.51%), and myocardial infarction (14.81%).

Cessation of immunosuppressive therapies in patients with Takayasu arteritis with sustained inactive disease

OBJECTIVE

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic and relapsing vasculitis. The objectives of this study were to describe the characteristics and identify predictive factors associated with successful treatment discontinuation in a cohort of patients with TA.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective monocentric analysis of patients with TA, followed at the tertiary Vasculitis Clinic in Toronto, from inception to January 2021, and for at least 2 years after diagnosis. The objectives were to determine the frequency of patients whose immunosuppressive medications had been stopped for at least 6 months before their last follow-up visit and whose disease remained inactive, and analyze their characteristics, in comparison with the remaining of the cohort still on medications for TA.

RESULTS

The cohort included 65 patients (95.4% women; 46.7% white). Twenty-five (38.5%) patients had successfully discontinued their treatment for more than 6 months at their last visit. Median disease duration was 18 years (IQR, 10-23 years) in the group off treatment, compared to 9 years (IQR, 5.3-16.0 years) in the group still on treatment (P = 0.004). Renal artery involvement was less frequent in patients who had stopped their immunosuppressants, especially left renal artery (P = 0.035). Median CRP level at diagnosis was 16.4 mg/L (IQR, 5.4-32.2 mg/L) in the group off treatment, and 45 mg/L (IQR, 15.0-75.5 mg/L) in the group on treatment (P = 0.023). No other difference was found when comparing disease characteristics of the two groups, on or off medications.

CONCLUSION

One third of TA patients were able to discontinue their treatment. They had lower CRP levels at diagnosis, less frequent renal artery involvement and longer disease duration. No other specific disease features seem to help identify patients with greater chances to be weaned off treatment successfully.

Establishing Clinical Remission Criteria and the Framework of a Treat-To-Target Algorithm for Takayasu 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

OBJECTIVE

To develop a proposal for remission criteria and a framework for a treat-to-target (T2T) algorithm for Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

METHODS

A study group of the large-vessel vasculitis group of the Japanese Research Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare for Intractable Vasculitis (JPVAS) consists of 10 rheumatologists, 5 cardiologists, 1 nephrologist, 1 vascular surgeon, 1 cardiac surgeon, and 2 pediatric rheumatologists. A Delphi survey of remission criteria items was circulated among the study group over 4 reiterations. To develop the T2T algorithm, the study group conducted four face-to-face meetings and two rounds of Delphi together with 3 patients.

RESULTS

Initial literature review resulted in a list of 117 candidate items for remission criteria, of which 56 items with a mean score of ≥4 (0-5) were extracted including disease activity domains and treatment/comorbidity domains. The study group provided six overarching principles for the T2T algorithm, two recommendations on treatment goals, five on evaluation of disease activity and imaging findings including PET-CT, and two on treatment intensification.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a T2T algorithm and proposals for standardized remission criteria by means of a Delphi exercise. These will guide future evaluation of different TAK treatment regimens.

Vascular Imaging Techniques to Diagnose and Monitor Patients with Takayasu Arteritis: A Review of the Literature

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis that causes stenosis, occlusion, and sometimes the aneurysm of the aorta and its major branches. TA often occurs in young women, and because the symptoms are not obvious in the early stages of the disease, diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. In approximately 10% to 20% of patients, TA is reportedly complicated by ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. It is important to diagnose TA early and provide appropriate treatment to prevent complications from stroke. Diagnostic imaging techniques to visualize arterial stenosis are widely used in clinical practice. Even if no signs of cerebrovascular events are present at the time of the most recent evaluation of patients with TA, follow-up vascular imaging is important to monitor disease progression and changes in the cerebrovascular risk. However, the optimal imaging technique for monitoring of TA has not been established. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe newly available evidence on the usefulness of conventional imaging modalities (digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging/angiography, duplex ultrasound, and positron emission tomography) and novel imaging modalities (optical coherence tomography, infrared thermography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and superb microvascular imaging) in the diagnosis and monitoring of TA.

Effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in patients with refractory or severe Takayasu's arteritis: A prospective cohort study in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in treating severe/refractory Takayasu's arteritis (TAK).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was started on 1 November 2013 and terminated on 10 June 2020. Thirty-seven patients diagnosed as severe/refractory TAK, treated with TCZ combined with or without immunosuppressors were enrolled. Treatment response (complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR)), imaging progression and side effects were analyzed at 6-month treatment. Disease flare was analyzed during the remaining follow-up.

RESULTS

The CR and RR rates were 70% and 88% at 6 months of TCZ treatment, respectively. Glucocorticoids was tapered from 30.0 (20.0-40.0) to 15.0 (10.0-15.0) mg/day at 6 months. Younger patients (≤26 years) (OR=14.6, 95% CI 1.27-170.4, P<0.05) and those with involvement of bilateral carotid arteries or vertebral arteries (OR=14.6, 95% CI 1.27-169.1, P<0.05) might show a better response to TCZ at 6 months. Combined therapy of immunosuppressors had no significant effects on the effectiveness of TCZ at 6 months. Among the total 23 patients with CR at 6 months, 14 cases discontinued TCZ therapy after 6 months, and disease flare was observed in six ones (43%), with medium flare at 7 (7-9.8) months. One patient (11%) who continued TCZ therapy suffered disease flare at 8 months. Infections were the most commonly observed side effects (38%), with four patients discontinuing TCZ treatment due to severe infections.

CONCLUSION

TCZ treatment achieved a favorable response with acceptable adverse effects for TAK.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe pure aortic regurgitation due to active aortitis

Aortitis is an uncommon systemic inflammatory disease affecting the aorta and its main branches. Severe aortic regurgitation (AR) represents a fearsome complication of aortitis and is associated with an increased mortality rate. Surgical aortic valve replacement represents the only treatment choice for these patients. However, it is associated with a higher risk of medium to long-term complications such as prosthetic valve detachment. This is the first reported case where severe AR secondary to aortitis was managed with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI was safe and effective in this clinical setting and may be considered a viable alternative to high-risk surgery in these complex patients.

[Glucocorticoids in the treatment of giant cell arteritis : How much, how long and how to spare?]

Treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) with high-dose glucocorticoids (GC) regularly leads to a control of the inflammatory activity, so that high-dose GC is still the recommended standard treatment in the current guidelines; however, after discontinuation of GC treatment or reduction of the GC dosage, relapses occur in up to 70% of patients in the further course of the disease, making it necessary to resume treatment or increase the dosage. As a consequence many patients therefore have to be treated with GC often in high doses over several years, which results in a high cumulative exposure to GC. The risk for GC-associated diseases, such as diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis or severe infections is therefore significantly increased for patients with giant cell arteritis. For patients with GC-associated comorbidities or increased risk of developing them or patients with a relapse, the current guidelines therefore recommend GC-sparing treatment with tocilizumab or alternatively methotrexate. It is currently unclear over what period of time patients should be treated with GC and GC-sparing treatment, since high-quality study data on de-escalation strategies for GCA are currently still lacking. Decisions on treatment duration and intensity must therefore be made individually for each patient, taking into account general and patient-specific risk factors for a GC-dependent course, GCA-associated vascular damage (stenoses, aneurysms, visual loss) and treatment-associated complications.

Effectiveness and safety of methotrexate versus leflunomide in 12-month treatment for Takayasu arteritis

Aims:

The study investigates the effectiveness and safety of methotrexate (MTX) versus leflunomide (LEF) in 12-month treatment of Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

Methods:

This was a cohort study. Patients diagnosed with TAK between 1 January 2013 and 1 January 2019 were enrolled from First Hospital of China Medical University and Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. Patients had active disease and were treated with glucocorticoid combined with LEF or MTX. Treatment response, imaging assessment and side-effects were evaluated during 12-month follow-up.

Results:

In total, 68 patients were enrolled (40 cases treated with LEF and 28 treated with MTX). At baseline, age, sex, disease duration and disease activity index showed no significant differences between groups. Prevalence of complete remission (CR) at 6 months was significantly higher in the LEF group than that in the MTX group (LEF versus MTX: 72.50% versus 53.57%, p = 0.04), though the CR prevalence at 9 months and 12 months showed no significant differences between groups. At 9 months, the prevalence of treatment resistance was much lower in the LEF group compared with MTX group (5.41% versus 11.54%, p = 0.03). Furthermore, prevalence of disease relapse in the LEF group was lower than that in MTX group at 12 months (7.24% versus 16.67%, p = 0.03). Patients with high baseline C-reactive protein levels (⩾15 mg/L) carried a higher risk of treatment resistance (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.07–13.41, p = 0.06) and disease relapse (HR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.36–12.98, p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

LEF might provide a quicker treatment response with lower prevalence of disease relapse compared with that elicited in MTX during 12 months follow-up for TAK.

Takayasu's Arteritis from the Patients' Perspectives: Measuring the Pulse to the Patient-Reported Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Patients with Takayasu's arteritis (TA) experience important changes in lifestyle, quality of life, and functional status due to ischemic symptoms or treatment toxicity.

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical characteristics and the patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as quality of life, disability, fatigue, and perception/impact of the disease in Mexican patients with TA.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study including patients with established diagnosis of TA recruited at a tertiary care center. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, laboratory, imaging, and treatment were retrieved. Disease activity (the Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score (ITAS) 2010), damage (Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI)), quality of life (Short Form 36 (SF-36)), disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20), and patient's disease perceptions were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifteen women were included, with a median age of 41 years (interquartile range (IQR) 30-45) and disease duration of 108 months (IQR 55-197). Median ITAS 2010 and VDI scores were 0 (IQR 0-2) and 3 points (IQR 2-6), respectively. Mean SF-36 score was 71.38 ± 13.39, with mean physical and mental component summaries of 66.52 ± 13.37 and 76.24 ± 14.89, respectively. HAQ-DI mean score was 0.48 ± 0.62, being grip the most affected domain. Among fatigue subscales, the higher scores were present in the physical fatigue (16.3 ± 5.8). Correlations between the HAQ-DI and the VDI score (r = 0.64, P = 0.03); between the general fatigue, score, and disease duration (r = -0.71, P = 0.01); and between the SF-36 total score and the HAQ-DI (r = -0.87, P = 0.0004) were found.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to identify disease-specific outcomes of interest to the patients to develop tools that assess them with a holistic approach.

Factors associated with event-free survival in Chinese patients with Takayasu's arteritis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate long-term outcomes of Takayasu's arteritis (TA) and explore the predictive factors associated with poor prognosis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study on consecutive TA patients admitted to the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital during the period from July 2010 to March 2019. Potential factors contributing to adverse outcomes, including death, vascular complications, and vascular stenosis aggravation were assessed by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-one individuals were enrolled, in which 90.1% were female. The mean onset age was 29.44 ± 11.75 years, and mean follow-up time was 3.42 ± 2.38 years. Adverse outcomes were observed in twenty-five (35.2%) patients, and the 1-, 5-, and 8-year event-free survival was 94.2%, 61.8%, and 29.8% respectively. Univariable Cox regression revealed that pulmonary hypertension (PH) (HR 4.13), high total cholesterol levels (HR 4.49), high LDL cholesterol levels (HR 5.14), and low-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) treatment (HR 0.53) were associated with adverse outcomes. Among them, only CTX treatment remained significant in multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR 0.62). Interestingly, compared to those ineffective to CTX, the responders had higher immunoglobulin A levels (p < 0.05) but lower CRP levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Even with vigorous therapy, a large proportion of TA patients may present adverse outcomes along with the development of disease. Low-dose CTX treatment is helpful for a better prognosis. Key Points • The prognosis of Takayasu's arteritis is still poor. • Application of low-dose cyclophosphamide in high-risk patients helps to improve the outcome. • Abnormal lipid profiles may contribute to the development of this disease, which also deserves attention.

Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis-Current and Future

Purpose of Review

Guidelines for the management of large vessel vasculitides have been recently updated by several scientific societies. We have evaluated the current recommendations for treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA) and addressed potential future therapeutic strategies.

Recent Findings

While glucocorticoids (GCs) remain the gold standard for induction of remission, many patients relapse and acquire high cumulative GC exposure. Thus, GC-sparing therapies such as methotrexate are recommended for selected patients with GCA and all patients with TA. Recent high-quality evidence shows that tocilizumab is an effective GC-sparing agent in GCA. Non-biologic and biologic immunomodulators also appear to have GC-sparing properties in TA.

Summary

Tocilizumab is now considered to be part of the standard treatment for GCA, particularly with relapsing disease, but questions on its use such as length of treatment and monitoring of disease activity remain open. High-quality evidence to guide treatment of TA is still lacking.

Takayasu arteritis: a cohort of Italian patients and recent pathogenetic and therapeutic advances

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare granulomatous vasculitis of unknown etiology that mainly affects the aorta and its major branches. The aim is to describe the clinical features, diagnostic procedures, pathogenesis, and management of TAK in a longitudinal cohort of patients recruited within a single region of southern Italy. The cohort included 43 patients who were diagnosed with TAK and followed up according to a standard protocol, in a collaboration between four university tertiary referral centers and a regional hospital. Clinical and imaging classification criteria were those established by the American College of Rheumatology. Thirty-five patients (81.4%) were female, and the mean age at disease onset was 32.6 (range 16–54) years. Angiographic assessment of the vascular involvement allowed disease classification in five different types. Clinical features ranged from constitutional symptoms in the early inflammatory stage of the disease to cardiovascular ischemic symptoms in the late, chronic stage. Noninvasive imaging techniques were employed to assess the extent and severity of the arterial wall damage and to monitor the clinical course and response to therapy. Medical treatment, based on pathogenetic insights into the roles of humoral and cell-mediated immune mechanisms, included glucocorticoids mostly combined with steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents and, in patients with relapsing/refractory disease, biologic drugs. Significant clinical and angiographic differences have been detected in TAK patients from different geographic areas. Patients with life-threatening cardiovascular and neurologic manifestations as well as sight-threatening ophthalmologic signs and symptoms should be promptly diagnosed, properly treated, and closely followed up to avoid potentially severe consequences.

[Long-term complications, monitoring and interventional treatment of large vessel vasculitis]

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) both belong to the group of large vessel vasculitides and require long-term drug treatment. Glucocorticoids (GC) are the first choice for the treatment of both diseases. For GCA immunosuppressants, such as tocilizumab or methotrexate should be considered in cases of treatment refractory and relapses or if there is a high risk for GC-related adverse events. In TAK patients the use of immunosuppressive agents should be considered for all patients. In the course of the disease, severe disease-associated and treatment-associated complications can occur. The most frequent disease-associated complications include visual impairment up to blindness in GCA, as well as vascular stenoses with ischemia and aortic aneurysms with possible dissection in GCA and TAK. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting are minimally invasive, low-risk interventional procedures for GCA and TAK patients with clinically significant vascular stenoses, despite a tendency to restenosis. Interventional procedures should be weighed up against vascular surgical approaches depending on the localization and the total clinical situation. All interventions should be conducted in a phase of stable remission when possible. For monitoring of disease activity in patients with GCA and TAK, assessment of clinical manifestations as well as C‑reactive protein (CRP) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are useful; however, both are unreliable under interleukin‑6 block with tocilizumab. The value of new biomarkers independent from interleukin‑6 and the importance of imaging (sonography, magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography and positron emission tomography-CT) for monitoring GCA and TAK still have to be investigated in future studies.

Untreated Takayasu arteritis: an unusual case of widespread disease

A 38-year-old man with no medical history presented with bilateral flank and epigastric abdominal pain. CT abdomen and pelvis demonstrated diffuse nodules and lymphadenopathy, which were biopsied and showed chronic inflammatory changes. He later presented with pleuritic chest pain and was sent for a CT chest angiogram, which revealed perivascular inflammation involving the thoracic aortic arch, supra-aortic branch vessels and descending thoracic aorta. Further work-up showed vasculitic involvement of the coeliac, superior mesenteric and femoral arteries with heavy collateralisation. These findings were most consistent with widespread Takayasu arteritis that had been untreated for nearly 20 years. It was necessary to define the degree of active inflammation and need for immediate therapy, as the patient had a concomitant latent tuberculosis infection that precluded the use of immunosuppressive medications. This report illustrates an unusual case of Takayasu arteritis and highlights the presentation, diagnosis and work-up of suspected cases.

Giant Cell Arteritis versus Takayasu Arteritis: An Update

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu Arteritis (TAK) are two systemic granulomatous vasculitides affecting medium- and large-sized arteries. Similarities in GCA and TAK regarding the clinical presentation, the systemic inflammatory response and the distribution of the arterial lesions, have triggered a debate over the last decade about whether GCA and TAK represent two different diseases, or are age-associated different clinical phenotypes of the same disease. On the other hand, there are differences regarding epidemiology, several clinical features (eg, polymyalgia rheumatica in GCA) and treatment. The aim of this review is to present the latest data regarding this question and to shed some light on the differences and similarities between GCA and TAK regarding epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, histopathology, clinical presentation, imaging and treatment. The existing data in literature support the opinion that GCA and TAK are different clinical entities.

Efficacy and safety of leflunomide versus cyclophosphamide for initial-onset Takayasu arteritis: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Leflunomide (LEF) has been considered as an alternative treatment for Takayasu arteritis (TA); however, data on its efficacy are still scanty.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of LEF versus cyclophosphamide (CYC) for initial-onset TA.

METHODS

Initial-onset TA patients with active disease were enrolled in this research. Patients enrolled from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2015 were treated with glucocorticoids and CYC, while patients enrolled from 1 January 2016 to 31 October 2018 received glucocorticoids and LEF. Treatment response including complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), and effectiveness rate (ER) and side effects were evaluated at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In total, 92 patients were enrolled. A total of 47 patients were treated with LEF, while 45 patients were treated with CYC. The CR and ER rates were 75.55%, and 88.89% at 6 months, and 85.37% and 95.12% at 12 months in the LEF group. The CR and ER rates were 39.02% and 70.73% at 6 months, and 56.41% and 82.05% at 12 months in the CYC group. The CR rate was significantly higher in the LEF group than in the CYC group both at 6 months (75.61% versus 38.24%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (77.42% versus 53.33%, p < 0.05) after adjustment for propensity scores. The incidence of side effects in the LEF group was much lower than that in the CYC group (21.28% versus 44.44%). In conclusion, LEF provided a better treatment response, along with lower reproductive toxicity, compared with CYC in initial-onset TA.

[Treatment of Takayasu arteritis]

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment, the mortality rate of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is still elevated even today. The diagnosis is often made after a long time delay and the course of the disease is characterized by progressive structural vascular lesions. Recently, new recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis were published by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). For induction of remission oral glucocorticoids (GC) are administered in an initial daily dose of 40-60 mg. As experience has shown that the cumulative GC demand in TAK is high, GC-sparing treatment with moderately potent immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate, azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil is recommended from the time of initial diagnosis. In cases of a relapsing course, tocilizumab or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors can be used as an additive off-label treatment. If vascular stenoses persist despite supposedly sufficient inflammation control and if these stenoses are symptomatic, vascular surgery or interventional treatment procedures can be indicated. Such revascularization or even surgical procedures for the treatment of aneurysms should be performed during phases of sufficient drug control of the vasculitis. In quite a few patients progressive vascular lesions continue to develop despite clinical and laboratory analytical remission. Due to the poor correlation of clinical symptoms and acute phase markers with the progression of vascular lesions, the distinction between active and inactive diseases is often a challenge in the clinical practice. Imaging studies can then support therapeutic decisions but are not yet formally and comprehensively validated in the long-term course of TAK.

Multiple occlusions in extracranial arteries in patients with aortic arch syndrome: is minimally invasive treatment still possible? Technical aspects of the treatment based on our own experience and a review of the literature

Takayasu arteritis is a large vessel vasculitis of granulomatous nature and unknown aetiology affecting predominantly the aorta and its major branches, which may lead to ischaemic symptoms of many organs including the central nervous system. To decrease the risk of neurological complications and improve the quality of life, an arterial revascularisation may be necessary. The treatment options include pharmacotherapy as well as both open surgical and endovascular procedures, which has to be carefully chosen to obtain clinical success. There is an ongoing debate on the advantages, possibilities, and indications for implementing endovascular and open surgical methods, especially in high-risk patients. In this article we present our own experience in the treatment of an unusually complex and high-risk patient with multiple occlusion of supra-aortic branches, focusing on the technical aspects of the procedures and the decision-making process, as well as to confront with contemporary medical knowledge.

[Treatment of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica]

Patients with untreated active giant cell arteritis (GCA) are at high risk of permanent vision loss. Therefore, treatment with glucocorticoids should be immediately initiated at an initial dose of 40-60 mg prednisolone equivalent dose per day. Once remission is achieved, the prednisolone dose should be reduced to 15-20 mg within 2-3 months and then to ≤5 mg per day within 1 year. Glucocorticoid-sparing treatment with tocilizumab or alternatively methotrexate should be initiated in patients with an increased risk or pre-existing complications of glucocorticoid treatment and patients with relapse. In polymyalgia rheumatica, prednisolone dosages of 15-25 mg/day are sufficient. After achieving remission, the dose should then be reduced to 10 mg within 4-8 weeks and then to 1 mg per month thereafter. Glucocorticoid-sparing treatment with methotrexate should be initiated in patients with an increased risk or existing complications of glucocorticoid treatment, relapse or increased glucocorticoid requirements.