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Vu T, O'Brien SR, Ma SX, Sundaram KM, Pantel AR. Pembrolizumab-induced vasculitis demonstrated by FDG-PET/CT. Radiol Case Rep 2024; 19:3959-3961. [PMID: 39050646 PMCID: PMC11266975 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.06.034] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A 76-year-old man with a history of malignant pleural mesothelioma treated with pembrolizumab underwent FDG-PET/CT for restaging. The images demonstrated FDG uptake overlying the right hepatic and splenic artery, which were new from the previous FDG-PET/CT 2.5 years prior before the patient started pembrolizumab, suspicious for vasculitis. A follow-up MRI supported the diagnosis with evidence of celiac, splenic, common hepatic, and right hepatic artery involvement. Pembrolizumab was discontinued and the patient received a short course of oral glucocorticoids. Subsequent FDG-PET/CT performed 14 months after initiation of treatment for vasculitis demonstrated resolution of vasculitis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause vasculitis, which can be recognized on FDG-PET/CT and lead to appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Vu
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
- Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, 700 HMC Cres Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sophia R. O'Brien
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
| | - Shawn X. Ma
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
| | - Karthik M. Sundaram
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
| | - Austin R. Pantel
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
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Johnson D, Jamal S, Hung RW, Ye C. False-positive Findings of Large Vessel Vasculitis on FDG-PET in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. J Immunother 2024; 47:275-278. [PMID: 38764383 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxygluocose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is increasingly used in the evaluation of response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Incidental findings of increased vessel wall uptake may prompt the concern for ICI-induced large vessel vasculitis (LVV). Precise radiographic and clinical evaluation is required to determine if this represents true vasculitis, as use of immune suppression and ICI discontinuation can have significant impacts on patient outcomes. We performed a retrospective case analysis of 4 consecutive patients referred to 2 rheumatology clinics treated with ICI with incidental findings of LVV on FDG-PET, reviewing their clinical course and radiographic findings. All 4 cases had FDG-PET scans for routine oncology indications and had no associated clinical features of LVV. One patient was treated with corticosteroids and no patients developed any clinical evidence of vasculitis during a mean follow-up period of 17 months (range: 7-33 mo). All FDG-PET images reporting LVV underwent a standardized analysis to identify any technical issues or concerns with interpretation. In review of imaging, 3 of the cases may have been due to delayed tracer to scan interval leading to misinterpretation of vascular uptake as suspected LVV. Recognition of technical pitfalls in FDG-PET interpretation is crucial to inform the need for immunosuppression and the safety of continued ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Johnson
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shahin Jamal
- Division of Rheumatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan W Hung
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Carrie Ye
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Ladouceur A, Ezdoglian A, Sparks JA, Hudson M, Jamal S, Clifford A, Roberts J, Ye C. The Utility of Laboratory Investigations for the Assessment and Management of Rheumatic Immune Related Adverse Events. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2024; 50:181-199. [PMID: 38670720 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2024.01.003] [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: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have greatly improved survival of several cancers with historically very poor prognosis. ICIs act by stimulating the patient's own immune system to fight cancer. Simultaneously, this immune activation can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including rheumatic manifestations (Rh-irAEs). Rh-irAEs mimic primary rheumatic diseases including arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, myositis, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, and sicca. This article summarizes the latest evidence regarding the utility of laboratory investigations in Rh-irAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ladouceur
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital and McGill University, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Aiarpi Ezdoglian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), De Boelelaan 1118, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, the Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey A Sparks
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Suite 6016U, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marie Hudson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital and McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Shahin Jamal
- Arthritis Research Canada, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, 2775 Laurel Street, Ste 8205B, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Alison Clifford
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 8-130 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Janet Roberts
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center and Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia rehabilitation and Arthritis Centre, Arthritis Research Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 1341 Summer Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4K4, Canada
| | - Carrie Ye
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 8-130 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada.
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Ohno Y, Ueki Y, Oshima S, Omata J, Yokoyama Y, Takahashi T, Shodo R, Yamazaki K, Horii A. Aortic rupture following acute aortitis in a patient with head and neck carcinoma treated with nivolumab: a rare but severe immune-related adverse event. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 281:2037-2040. [PMID: 38308762 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08495-2] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to immune checkpoint inhibitors may lead to discontinuation and treatment-related death. Acute aortitis is a rare but severe irAE. CASE PRESENTATION A 67-year-old man with recurrent lower gingival carcinoma received nivolumab therapy. Twenty-three months later, he experienced chest compression, which resulted in syncope. Following a whole-body computed tomography (CT) scanning, which revealed diffuse thickening of the aorta, and systemic assessments of the causes of aortitis, he was diagnosed with acute aortitis due to irAE. Nivolumab discontinuation and oral steroids improved CT findings. However, 11 months after nivolumab discontinuation, he developed an aortic aneurysmal rupture. Endovascular aortic repair rescued him. A durable anti-cancer response was still observed 4 months after the aortic rupture. CONCLUSION Although severe irAE, such as acute aortitis, occurred, the patient may still achieve a durable response. A broad examination and prompt treatment of irAE can help improve the patient's survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ohno
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan
| | - Yushi Ueki
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan.
| | - Shusuke Oshima
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan
| | - Jo Omata
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yokoyama
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan
| | - Takeshi Takahashi
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Shodo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yamazaki
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan
| | - Arata Horii
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-8510, Japan
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Ito T, Kanai O, Saito Z, Imakita T, Oi I, Fujita K, Tachibana H, Mio T. Pegfilgrastim-Induced Aortitis in a Patient with Small-Cell Lung Cancer Who Received Immunotherapy Combined with Chemotherapy. Case Rep Oncol 2023; 16:1466-1474. [PMID: 38028576 PMCID: PMC10673345 DOI: 10.1159/000534931] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), including pegfilgrastim, increases the peripheral blood leukocyte count and is widely used in clinical practice in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy. The most frequent side effects of G-CSF are pain and fever; aortitis, in contrast, is a rare and serious side effect. Case Presentation A 73-year-old man with small-cell lung cancer was treated with a full dose of a combination of carboplatin/etoposide/durvalumab and pegfilgrastim. The patient developed fever and right ear pain 12 days after pegfilgrastim administration and was diagnosed with aortitis by contrast-enhanced computed tomography 5 days later. Because the patient had already been administered the immune checkpoint inhibitor and had a history of hepatitis B, the patient was followed up without corticosteroid administration, and the patient's symptoms resolved spontaneously. Conclusion In situations where immunosuppression should be avoided, we believe that follow-up without corticosteroids for G-CSF-induced aortitis is a promising option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Ito
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Osamu Kanai
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Zentaro Saito
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuma Imakita
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Issei Oi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kohei Fujita
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Tachibana
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadashi Mio
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
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