1
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Kouranloo K, Dey M, Almutawa J, Myall N, Nune A. Clinical characteristics, disease trajectories and management of vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome: a systematic review. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1219-1232. [PMID: 38129348 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05513-0] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a newly discovered autoinflammatory condition characterised by somatic mutation of the UBA1 gene. The syndrome leads to multi-system inflammation affecting predominantly the skin, lungs and bone marrow. METHODS We undertook a systematic review of the multisystem features and genotypes observed in VEXAS syndrome. Articles discussing VEXAS syndrome were included. Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched. Information was extracted on: demographics, type and prevalence of clinical manifestations, genetic mutations and treatment. Meta-analysis using a random effects model was used to determine pooled estimates of serum markers. RESULTS From 303 articles, 90 were included, comprising 394 patients with VEXAS. 99.2% were male, with a mean age of 67.1 years (SD 8.5) at disease onset. The most frequent diagnoses made prior to VEXAS were: relapsing polychondritis (n = 59); Sweet's syndrome (n = 24); polyarteritis nodosa (n = 11); and myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 10). Fever was reported in 270 cases (68.5%) and weight loss in 79 (20.1%). Most patients had haematological (n = 342; 86.8%), dermatological (n = 321; 81.5%), pulmonary (n = 297; 75.4%%) and musculoskeletal (n = 172; 43.7%) involvement, although other organ manifestations of varying prevalence were also recorded. The most commonly reported mutations were "c.122T > C pMET41Thr" (n = 124), "c.121A > G pMET41Val" (n = 62) and "c.121A > C pMet41Leu" (n = 52). Most patients received glucocorticoids (n = 240; 60.9%) followed by methotrexate (n = 82; 20.8%) and IL-6 inhibitors (n = 61, 15.4%). One patient underwent splenectomy; 24 received bone marrow transplants. CONCLUSION VEXAS syndrome is a rare disorder affecting predominantly middle-aged men. This is the first systematic review to capture clinical manifestations, genetics and treatment of reported cases. Further studies are needed to optimise treatment and subsequently reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushan Kouranloo
- Department of Rheumatology, East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill, RH1 5RH, UK.
- School of Medicine, Cedar House, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
| | - Mrinalini Dey
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Weston Education Centre, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - Jude Almutawa
- Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK
| | - Nikki Myall
- British Medical Association Library, BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP, UK
| | - Arvind Nune
- Department of Rheumatology, Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Town Lane, Kew, Southport, PR8 6PN, UK
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2
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Bellman P, Gonzalez-Lugo JD, Shahzad M, Amin MK, Khalid MF, Suleman N, Ahmed N, Singh AK, Yacoub A, Zhang D, McGuirk JP, Mushtaq MU. Successful treatment with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide in a VEXAS syndrome patient with associated myelodysplastic syndrome: a case report and systematic review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1383730. [PMID: 38665946 PMCID: PMC11043578 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1383730] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vacuoles, E1 syndrome, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects various organ systems. It is associated with hematologic malignancies and is generally refractory to therapies. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) may be considered for selected patients. We report a case wherein systemic and hematological manifestations completely resolved in a patient with VEXAS and associated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), following the administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide as part of the preparation for allo-HSCT. We conducted a systematic literature review and included 86 patients with VEXAS syndrome and associated MDS. Most cases presented with musculoskeletal involvement (71%) and anemia (72%) with lower-risk MDS. Most patients responded to corticosteroids (CS) but had a recurrence of symptoms with CS taper and were refractory to other immunosuppressive agents. Hypomethylating agents and Janus kinase inhibitors achieved a complete response in some cases. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Bellman
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Jesus D. Gonzalez-Lugo
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Moazzam Shahzad
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Muhammad Kashif Amin
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Muhammad Fareed Khalid
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Nahid Suleman
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Nausheen Ahmed
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Anurag K. Singh
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Abdulraheem Yacoub
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Da Zhang
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Joseph P. McGuirk
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Muhammad Umair Mushtaq
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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Loeza-Uribe MP, Hinojosa-Azaola A, Sánchez-Hernández BE, Crispín JC, Apodaca-Chávez E, Ferrada MA, Martín-Nares E. VEXAS syndrome: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2024; 20:47-56. [PMID: 38160120 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
VEXAS (Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic) syndrome is an adult-onset autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene and is considered the prototype of hematoinflammatory diseases. Patients with VEXAS syndrome exhibit inflammatory and hematological manifestations that can lead to clinical diagnoses such as relapsing polychondritis, polyarteritis nodosa, Sweet syndrome, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Diagnosis requires bone marrow evaluation to identify cytoplasmic vacuoles in myeloid and erythroid precursors. However, genetic confirmation of mutations in UBA1 is necessary. Treatment is challenging and often involves glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants with variable responses. Hypomethylating agents and allogenic haemopoietic stem cell transplant are considered promising therapies. Prognosis is influenced by genetic and clinical factors. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, treatment, and prognosis of VEXAS syndrome for the Latin American medical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Patricia Loeza-Uribe
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Andrea Hinojosa-Azaola
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Beatriz E Sánchez-Hernández
- Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José C Crispín
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elia Apodaca-Chávez
- Departamento de Hematología y Oncología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela A Ferrada
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Eduardo Martín-Nares
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico.
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4
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Sterling D, Duncan ME, Philippidou M, Salisbury JR, Kulasekararaj AG, Basu TN. VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) for the dermatologist. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:1209-1214. [PMID: 35121074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In 2020, Beck et al1 described a novel adult autoinflammatory syndrome entitled VEXAS (Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic), a newly-discovered disorder that connected previously unrelated inflammatory syndromes and a prototype for a new class of hematoinflammatory diseases.2 Eighty-nine percent of published cases have documented skin involvement, but despite the high incidence and diagnostic accessibility of skin manifestations, there has been little focus on the dermatological features of VEXAS syndrome thus far. A PubMed search of all published case reports of VEXAS syndrome to date was performed, with inclusion of all cases confirmed by genetic sequencing, and this review summarizes the reported dermatological signs. There have already been 141 confirmed published cases since original publication, 126 of which had documented cutaneous signs.1-34 A wide range of skin presentations are reported, including Sweet-like urticated and tender erythematous nodules, cartilaginous involvement with chondritis, cutaneous vasculitis, and periorbital angiodema.1-34 Many patients had been diagnosed with Sweet syndrome, relapsing polychondritis, polyarteritis nodosa, or erythema nodosum.1-34 Hallmarks of skin histopathology are a neutrophilic dermatosis with coexisting or exclusive leukocytoclastic vasculitis.1 The new classification therefore helps link previously disparate inflammatory skin conditions into a unifying pathophysiological pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sterling
- Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Mhairi E Duncan
- Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Tanya N Basu
- Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
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5
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Koster MJ, Samec MJ, Warrington KJ. VEXAS Syndrome-A Review of Pathophysiology, Presentation, and Prognosis. J Clin Rheumatol 2023; 29:298-306. [PMID: 36251488 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT VEXAS ( V acuoles, E 1 enzyme, X -linked, A utoinflammatory, S omatic) syndrome is a newly identified disease caused by somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene resulting in refractory autoinflammatory features, frequently accompanied by cytopenias. Although the prevalence of this syndrome is yet unknown, understanding the clinical phenotype can assist clinicians in prompt recognition of cases among patients with glucocorticoid-responsive but immunosuppressive-resistant inflammatory symptoms. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prognosis of VEXAS are herein reviewed.
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6
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Koster MJ, Ghaffar U, Kermani TA, Patnaik MM, Go RS, Mangaonkar AA, Reichard KK, Olteanu H, Warrington KJ. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and VEXAS syndrome: comment on the article by Muratore et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:1490-1492. [PMID: 36716119 DOI: 10.1002/art.42466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Koster
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Umar Ghaffar
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Tanaz A Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA
| | - Mrinal M Patnaik
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ronald S Go
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Kaaren K Reichard
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Horatiu Olteanu
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kenneth J Warrington
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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7
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Ruffer N, Krusche M. VEXAS syndrome: a diagnostic puzzle. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003332. [PMID: 37532466 PMCID: PMC10401208 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) is an adult-onset systemic autoinflammatory condition that is caused by an acquired deficiency of the UBA1 gene in hematopoietic progenitor cells. The clinical spectrum of the VEXAS syndrome currently comprises a broad range of phenotypes such as vasculitis, relapsing polychondritis and Sweet's syndrome. In the past, VEXAS patients have left clinicians puzzled and the true nature of this disease has not been captured until late 2020. This viewpoint describes the relevant clinical features of the VEXAS syndrome and reviews different approaches to establish the diagnosis. Finally, future directions within the field of systemic inflammatory diseases caused by somatic mutations are being discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Ruffer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Krusche
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Patel BA, Ferrada MA, Grayson PC, Beck DB. VEXAS syndrome: An inflammatory and hematologic disease. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:201-203. [PMID: 34802540 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavisha A Patel
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Marcela A Ferrada
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Peter C Grayson
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - David B Beck
- Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Inflammatory Disease Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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9
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Koster MJ, Warrington KJ. VEXAS within the spectrum of rheumatologic disease. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:218-225. [PMID: 34802543 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The identification of the VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome as a myeloid-driven inflammatory disease resulting from somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene further exposes the increasingly recognized overlap between hematologic disturbances and auto-immunity and/or auto-inflammatory presentations. Although single or multi-lineage cytopenias are a unifying aspect of VEXAS, patients with this condition can present with a wide array of inflammatory findings affecting the skin, lung, joints, eye, vascular system, and cartilaginous structures. As such, it is paramount that generalists, and subspecialty providers familiarize themselves with the clinical characteristics of this condition. This review summarizes the reported clinical symptoms of VEXAS syndrome with a particular focus on its non-hematologic inflammatory features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Koster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Kenneth J Warrington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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10
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Groarke EM, Dulau-Florea AE, Kanthi Y. Thrombotic manifestations of VEXAS syndrome. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:230-238. [PMID: 34802545 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a recently described autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by diffuse inflammatory manifestations, predisposition to hematological malignancy, and an association with a high rate of thrombosis. VEXAS is attributed to somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with myeloid restriction in mature forms. The rate of thrombosis in VEXAS patients is approximately 40% in all reported cases to date. Venous thromboembolism predominates thrombotic events in VEXAS. These are classified as unprovoked in etiology, although systemic and vascular inflammation are implicated. Here, we review the clinical and laboratory characteristics in VEXAS that provide insight into the possible mechanisms leading to thrombosis. We present knowledge gaps in the mechanisms and management of VEXAS-associated thromboinflammation and propose areas for future investigation in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Groarke
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Alina E Dulau-Florea
- Hematology Section, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yogendra Kanthi
- Laboratory of Vascular Thrombosis and Inflammation, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Poulter JA, Savic S. Genetics of somatic auto-inflammatory disorders. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:212-217. [PMID: 34802542 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic autoinflammatory disorders (SAIDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of monogenic disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of systemic and organ-specific inflammation. Genetic studies have facilitated the identification of Mendelian forms of SAIDs but many patients still remain without a diagnosis. Recent studies have uncovered that somatic (acquired) mutations can cause later-onset SAIDs. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge surrounding the genetics of these acquired auto-inflammatory disorders (AAIDs), with a focus on VEXAS, NLRP3-associated AAIDs and Schnitzler's syndrome and provide suggestions for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Poulter
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Sinisa Savic
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatological and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, UK.
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Oganesyan A, Hakobyan Y, Terrier B, Georgin-Lavialle S, Mekinian A. Looking beyond VEXAS: Coexistence of undifferentiated systemic autoinflammatory disease and myelodysplastic syndrome. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:247-253. [PMID: 34802547 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
It has been established that individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have a higher frequency of systemic inflammatory disorders. On the other hand, patients with autoimmune diseases are at increased risk of MDS development. Both diseases can be associated with various genetic lesions and share diverse pathogenetic mechanisms. Recently identified VEXAS (Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic) syndrome, associated with somatic mutations in UBA1, encompasses a range of inflammatory conditions involving multiple organs along with hematological pathologies, including MDS, as well as characteristic bone marrow vacuolization of myeloid and erythroid precursors. This novel syndrome drove further attention to complex associations between MDS and adult-onset inflammatory conditions. The present narrative literature review discusses the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, management of concurrent MDS and systemic inflammatory diseases in parallel to the clinical picture of VEXAS syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Oganesyan
- Department of Adult Hematology, Yeolyan Hematology Center, Yerevan, Armenia; Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, National Institute of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Yervand Hakobyan
- Department of Adult Hematology, Yeolyan Hematology Center, Yerevan, Armenia; Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, National Institute of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Benjamin Terrier
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Referral Center for Rare and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Georgin-Lavialle
- Internal Medicine Department, National Reference Center for Autoinflammatory Diseases and Amyloidosis (CEREMAIA), Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Tenon Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Arsene Mekinian
- Internal Medicine Department and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), Hospital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Universités, UMPC University Paris 06, INSERM U938, Paris, France.
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13
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Koster MJ, Kourelis T, Reichard KK, Kermani TA, Beck DB, Cardona DO, Samec MJ, Mangaonkar AA, Begna KH, Hook CC, Oliveira JL, Nasr SH, Tiong BK, Patnaik MM, Burke MM, Michet CJ, Warrington KJ. Clinical Heterogeneity of the VEXAS Syndrome: A Case Series. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:2653-2659. [PMID: 34489099 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients with the newly defined vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome. Nine men with somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene were identified; the most frequent variant was p.Met41Thr (7 of 9, 78%). The median age at VEXAS diagnosis was 74 (67, 76.5) years, and patients had a median duration of symptoms for 4 years before diagnosis. Refractory constitutional symptoms (88%), ear and nose chondritis (55%), and inflammatory arthritis (55%) were common clinical features. Vasculitis was noted in 44%. All patients had significantly elevated inflammatory markers and macrocytic anemia. Thrombocytopenia was present in 66% at diagnosis of VEXAS. Eight patients had bone marrow biopsies performed. All bone marrows were hypercellular, and there was vacuolization of the erythroid (100%) or myeloid precursors (75%). Glucocorticoids attenuated symptoms at prednisone doses ≥20 mg per day, but no other immunosuppressive agent showed consistent long-term control of disease. One patient with coexisting plasma-cell myeloma received plasma-cell-directed therapy with improvement of the inflammatory response, which is a novel finding. In conclusion, VEXAS syndrome is a clinically heterogeneous, treatment-refractory inflammatory condition caused by somatic mutation of the UBA1 gene. Patients often present with overlapping rheumatologic manifestations and persistent hematologic abnormalities. As such, internists and subspecialists, including pathologists, should be aware of this condition to avert diagnostic delay, now that the etiology of this syndrome is known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Koster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Taxiarchis Kourelis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kaaren K Reichard
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Hematopathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Tanaz A Kermani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA
| | - David B Beck
- National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Matthew J Samec
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Kebede H Begna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - C Christopher Hook
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jennifer L Oliveira
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Hematopathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Samih H Nasr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Benedict K Tiong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA
| | - Mrinal M Patnaik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Michelle M Burke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Clement J Michet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kenneth J Warrington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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