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Régis C, Abikhzer G, Harel F, Pelletier-Galarneau M. Molecular imaging of large vessel vasculitis. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2024; 55:S10-S16. [PMID: 38097449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.11.010] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Large vessel vasculitis (LVV) affects mainly large arteries with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) being the two most frequent forms. Clinical symptoms can be non-specific, including headache, fatigue, weight loss, and change in vision. Untreated, LVV may also lead to serious complications such as blindness, aortic aneurysm and dissection. Therefore, rapid recognition of the disease leading to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential. FDG-PET/CT imaging has emerged as a sensitive marker of active vascular inflammation and its use in the management of LVV is now integrated in guidelines. In this article, we will discuss the role of FDG-PET/CT for the diagnosis of LVV and monitoring of therapy, as well as review technical and interpretation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudine Régis
- Department of Medical Imaging, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gad Abikhzer
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francois Harel
- Department of Medical Imaging, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Xu S, Jiemy WF, Brouwer E, Burgess JK, Heeringa P, van der Geest KSM, Alba-Rovira R, Corbera-Bellalta M, Boots AH, Cid MC, Sandovici M. Current evidence on the role of fibroblasts in large-vessel vasculitides: From pathogenesis to therapeutics. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103574. [PMID: 38782083 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Large-vessel vasculitides (LVV) comprise a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the aorta and its major branches. The most common forms of LVV are giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Both GCA and TAK are characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the vessel wall accompanied by a maladaptive immune and vascular response that promotes vascular damage and remodeling. The inflammatory process in LVV starts in the adventitia where fibroblasts constitute the dominant cell population. Fibroblasts are traditionally recognized for synthesizing and renewing the extracellular matrix thereby being major players in maintenance of normal tissue architecture and in tissue repair. More recently, fibroblasts have emerged as a highly plastic cell population exerting various functions, including the regulation of local immune processes and organization of immune cells at the site of inflammation through production of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors as well as cell-cell interaction. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on fibroblasts in LVV. Furthermore, we identify key questions that need to be addressed to fully understand the role of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Xu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - William F Jiemy
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Roser Alba-Rovira
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Corbera-Bellalta
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annemieke H Boots
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Maria C Cid
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sandovici
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands.
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Gheysens O, de Ponfilly MP, Nocturne G, Seror R, Besson FL, Jamar F. [ 18F]FDG-PET/CT in Polymyalgia Rheumatica: An Update and Future Aspects. Semin Nucl Med 2024; 54:371-378. [PMID: 38030423 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.10.003] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder usually diagnosed in patients older than 50 years of age. It is characterized by sudden onset pain and prolonged morning stiffness in the scapular and/or pelvic girdle, sometimes debilitating and accompanied by constitutional symptoms such as weight loss. In approximately 20% of the cases, it is linked to giant cell arteritis (GCAV) representing a disease continuum. The diagnosis is mainly clinical and noninvasive imaging such as ultrasound of joints may be helpful. In atypical PMR cases, whole body imaging using [18F]FDG-PET/CT may be useful. First, to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of PMR, secondly, to assess the coexistence of a GCA, and thirdly to establish the differential diagnosis with other types of arthritides encountered in this age group, such as elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, crystal-induced arthropathies or the rare remittent seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema. Relatively typical patterns of [18F]FDG-PET/CT are well known, based on the clinical distribution of the disease (eg, scapular and pelvic girdle, interspinous bursae, sterno-costoclavicular joints, entheses), especially the hypermetabolism at the interspinous lumbar bursae that has shown the best post-test likelihood ratio in a meta-analysis. This article focuses on the differential diagnosis and on the visual and semi-quantitative tools that can be used to guide to the correct diagnosis of PMR as an add-on to the clinical picture. Further, we briefly discuss the options that can improve molecular imaging in the future for inflammatory rheumatisms in elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gheysens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Péan de Ponfilly
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Bicêtre Assistance Publique -Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Gaetane Nocturne
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Bicêtre Assistance Publique -Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Raphaële Seror
- Department of Rheumatology, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1184: Centre for Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France
| | - Florent L Besson
- Department of Nuclear Medicine-Molecular Imaging, Hôpitaux Universitaire Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, DMU SMART IMAGING, CHU Bicêtre Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Inserm, BioMaps, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - François Jamar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Besson FL, Nocturne G, Noël N, Gheysens O, Slart RHJA, Glaudemans AWJM. PET/CT in Inflammatory and Auto-immune Disorders: Focus on Several Key Molecular Concepts, FDG, and Radiolabeled Probe Perspectives. Semin Nucl Med 2024; 54:379-393. [PMID: 37973447 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.10.005] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic immune diseases mainly include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Managing chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases has become a significant public health concern, and therapeutic advancements over the past 50 years have been substantial. As therapeutic tools continue to multiply, the challenge now lies in providing each patient with personalized care tailored to the specifics of their condition, ushering in the era of personalized medicine. Precise and holistic imaging is essential in this context to comprehensively map the inflammatory processes in each patient, identify prognostic factors, and monitor treatment responses and complications. Imaging of patients with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases must provide a comprehensive view of the body, enabling the whole-body mapping of systemic involvement. It should identify key cellular players in the pathology, involving both innate immunity (dendritic cells, macrophages), adaptive immunity (lymphocytes), and microenvironmental cells (stromal cells, tissue cells). As a highly sensitive imaging tool with vectorized molecular probe capabilities, PET/CT can be of high relevance in the management of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Relying on key molecular concepts of immunity, the clinical usefulness of FDG-PET/CT in several relevant inflammatory and immune-inflammatory conditions, validated or emerging, will be discussed in this review, together with radiolabeled probe perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent L Besson
- Department of Nuclear Medicine-Molecular Imaging, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, DMU SMART IMAGING, CHU Bicêtre, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), INSERM, BioMaps, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Gaetane Nocturne
- Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Bicêtre Assistance Publique -Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Center for Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases (IMVA), Université Paris-Saclay, Institut pour la Santé et la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR 1184, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Noël
- Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Center for Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases (IMVA), Université Paris-Saclay, Institut pour la Santé et la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR 1184, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France; Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Bicêtre Assistance Publique -Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Gheysens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Riemer H J A Slart
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Andor W J M Glaudemans
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Keshvani C, Laylani N, Davila-Siliezar P, Kopel J, Lee AG. Neuro-ophthalmic challenges and multi-morbidity in vasculitis among the older adults. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38572928 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2339893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of disorders producing inflammation of blood vessels (e.g. arteries or veins). All major vasculitides potentially have ophthalmological symptoms and signs including visual loss. Co-morbidity, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and geriatric syndromes all play important roles in patient outcomes for these rheumatic conditions in the elderly. This monograph reviews the NCBI PubMed database (Feb 2023) literature on the neuro-ophthalmic and geriatric considerations in vasculitis. AREAS COVERED Cogan Syndrome, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Takayasu Arteritis, Vasculitis epidemiology, and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms. EXPERT OPINION Geriatric patient care for vasculitis with neuro-ophthalmological manifestations can be complicated by the interplay of multiple co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and specific geriatric syndromes. The valuation and treatment of vasculitis and the complications associated with the disease can negatively impact patient care. Advances in noninvasive imaging and updates in diagnostic criteria have enabled increased identification of patients at earlier stages with less severe disease burden. Novel therapeutic agents can be glucocorticoid sparing and might reduce the adverse effects of chronic steroid use. Holistic care models like the 5 M geriatric care model (mind, mobility, medications, multicomplexity, and matters most) allow patients' needs to be in the forefront with biopsychosocial aspects of a patient being addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caezaan Keshvani
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Noor Laylani
- Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Kopel
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Andrew G Lee
- Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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D'Agostino J, Souki A, Lohse A, Carvajal Alegria G, Dernis E, Richez C, Truchetet ME, Wendling D, Toussirot E, Perdriger A, Gottenberg JE, Felten R, Fautrel B, Chiche L, Hilliquin P, Le Henaff C, Dervieux B, Direz G, Chary-Valckenaere I, Cornec D, Guellec D, Marhadour T, Nowak E, Saraux A, Devauchelle-Pensec V. Concordance and agreement between different activity scores in polymyalgia rheumatica. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003741. [PMID: 38490696 PMCID: PMC10946364 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003741] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The C reactive protein polymyalgia rheumatica activity score (CRP-PMR-AS) is a composite index that includes CRP levels and was developed specifically for PMR. As treatments such as interleukin-6 antagonists can normalise CRP levels, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of PMR-AS, the clinical (clin)-PMR-AS and the imputed-CRP (imp-CRP)-PMR-AS have been developed to avoid such bias. Our primary objective was to measure the correlation of these activity scores. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the concordance between different cutoffs of the PMR-ASs. METHOD Data from the Safety and Efficacy of tocilizumab versus Placebo in Polymyalgia rHeumatica With glucocORticoid dEpendence (SEMAPHORE) trial, a superiority randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial, were subjected to post hoc analysis to compare the efficacy of tocilizumab versus placebo in patients with active PMR. The CRP-PMR-AS, ESR-PMR-AS, clin-PMR-AS and imp-CRP-PMR-AS were measured at every visit. The concordance and correlation between these scores were evaluated using kappa correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and scatter plots. RESULTS A total of 101 patients were included in the SEMAPHORE trial, and 100 were analysed in this study. The correlation between the PMR-ASs was excellent, as the ICC and kappa were >0.85 from week 4 until week 24 (CRP-PMR-AS ≤10 or >10). Bland-Altman plots revealed that the differences between the CRP-PMR-AS and the other threescores were low. The cut-off values for the clin-PMR-AS were similar to those for the CRP-PMR-AS 86% of the time. CONCLUSION The correlation between all the PMR-ASs was excellent, reflecting the low weight of CRP. In clinical trials using drugs that have an impact on CRP, the derived activity scores can be used. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTC02908217.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine D'Agostino
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Aghiles Souki
- Public Agency for Clinical Research and Innovation (DRCI), Brest University Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Anne Lohse
- Hopital Nord Franche-Comte-Site de Belfort, Belfort, France
| | | | - Emanuelle Dernis
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | - Christophe Richez
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux Groupe Hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
- UMR CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux Collège Sciences de la Santé, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux Groupe Hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel Wendling
- Rheumatology and EA4266 Franche-Comté University, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon, Besancon, France
| | - Eric Toussirot
- INSERM Clinical Investigation Center 1431, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon, Besancon, France
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon, Besancon, France
| | - Aleth Perdriger
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Jacques-Eric Gottenberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Renaud Felten
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Bruno Fautrel
- Department of Rheumatology, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR-S 1136, Pierre Louis Epidemiology and Public Health Research Institute, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Chiche
- Internal Medicine, Marseille Public University Hospital System, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Hilliquin
- Department of Rhumatology, Centre Hospitalier Sud Francilien, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Catherine Le Henaff
- Department of Rheumatology, Pays de Morlaix Hospital Centre, Morlaix, France
| | - Benjamin Dervieux
- Department of Rhuamtology, GHR Mulhouse Sud Alsace, Mulhouse, France
| | - Guillaume Direz
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | | | - Divi Cornec
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- INSERM 1227, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Dewi Guellec
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- INSERM Clinical Investigations Centre 1412, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Thierry Marhadour
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Emmanuel Nowak
- Public Agency for Clinical Research and Innovation (DRCI), Brest University Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, INSERM Clinical Investigations Centre (CIC) 1412, France
| | - Alain Saraux
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- INSERM 1227, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Valérie Devauchelle-Pensec
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- INSERM 1227, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
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Hysa E, Bond M, Ehlers L, Camellino D, Falzon L, Dejaco C, Buttgereit F, Aletaha D, Kerschbaumer A. Evidence on treat to target strategies in polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: a systematic literature review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:285-297. [PMID: 37672017 PMCID: PMC10836985 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To inform an international task force about current evidence on Treat to Target (T2T) strategies in PMR and GCA. METHODS A systematic literature research (SLR) was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov from their inception date to May 2022, and in the EULAR/ACR abstract database (2019-2021). Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and non-randomised interventional studies published in English and answering at least one of the eleven PICO questions on T2T strategies, treatment targets and outcomes, framed by the taskforce, were identified. Study selection process, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by two investigators. RESULTS Of 7809 screened abstracts, 397 were selected for detailed review and 76 manuscripts were finally included (31 RCTs, eight subgroup/exploratory analyses of RCTs and 37 non-randomised interventional studies). No study comparing a T2T strategy against standard of care was identified. In PMR RCTs, the most frequently applied outcomes concerned treatment (90.9% of RCTs), particularly the cumulative glucocorticoids (GC) dose and GC tapering, followed by clinical, laboratory and safety outcomes (63.3% each). Conversely, the most commonly reported outcomes in RCTs in GCA were prevention of relapses (72.2%), remission as well as treatment-related and safety outcomes (67.0% each). CONCLUSIONS This SLR provides evidence and highlights the knowledge gaps on T2T strategies in PMR and GCA, informing the task force developing T2T recommendations for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, San Martino Polyclinic, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Milena Bond
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Bruneck, Italy
| | - Lisa Ehlers
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dario Camellino
- Division of Rheumatology, Local Health Trust 3, Genoa, Italy
| | - Louise Falzon
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Bruneck, Italy
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Manzo C, Castagna A, Veronese N, Isetta M. Presence of subclinical giant cell arteritis in patients with morning stiffness of duration less than 45 minutes at the time of diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica. Reumatologia 2024; 61:432-438. [PMID: 38322103 PMCID: PMC10839912 DOI: 10.5114/reum/176860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In some patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), giant cell arteritis (GCA) is subclinical as underlying inflammation of large vessels (LV) is present without evidence of related clinical manifestations. Different factors have been proposed as predictive of subclinical GCA in PMR patients. To date, the literature reports scant data about the association between subclinical GCA and long-lasting morning stiffness (MS) in patients at the time of diagnosis of PMR. Given this background, the aim of this study was to assess the association between subclinical GCA and MS < 45 min in patients with newly diagnosed PMR. Material and methods We performed an observational, retrospective, single-centre cohort study of patients consecutively referred to our public out-of-hospital rheumatologic clinic between January 2015 and December 2020, who could be classified as having PMR according to the 2012 EULAR/ACR criteria. Subclinical GCA was investigated through ultrasound examination of a core set of arteries (temporal, axillary, common carotid, and subclavian arteries), in accordance with the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in LV vasculitis. Patients who did not have GCA symptoms but showed halo sign in at least one of these arteries were described as having subclinical GCA. Results We included a total of 143 patients (35 men and 108 women). Their median age was of 71.5 years. Thirty-five had MS duration < 45 min at the time of PMR diagnosis. Subclinical GCA was found in 23 PMR patients (16.1%); 18 had a cranial and 5 an extracranial GCA. A univariate analysis highlighted that MS < 45 min was associated with a lower prevalence of GCA (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04-0.29; p < 0.0001). This association was retained in a multivariable analysis that accounted for 6 different potential covariates (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.26; p < 0.0001. Conclusions In our study MS < 45 min at the time of PMR diagnosis was associated with a significantly lower risk of subclinical GCA, when patients were screened by ultrasound, of approximately 90%. Identification of a more accurate MS cut-off value could improve the accuracy for subclinical GCA in patients with newly diagnosed PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Manzo
- Rheumatologic Outpatient Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Napoli 3 sud, Sant' Agnello, Italy
| | - Alberto Castagna
- Department of Primary Care, Health District of Soverato, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Isetta
- Central and North West London NHS Trust, England
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9
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Dejaco C, Kerschbaumer A, Aletaha D, Bond M, Hysa E, Camellino D, Ehlers L, Abril A, Appenzeller S, Cid MC, Dasgupta B, Duftner C, Grayson PC, Hellmich B, Hočevar A, Kermani TA, Matteson EL, Mollan SP, Neill L, Ponte C, Salvarani C, Sattui SE, Schmidt WA, Seo P, Smolen JS, Thiel J, Toro-Gutiérrez CE, Whitlock M, Buttgereit F. Treat-to-target recommendations in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:48-57. [PMID: 36828585 PMCID: PMC10803996 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve data on treatment targets and outcomes in GCA/PMR as well as to identify the evidence for the effectiveness of a T2T-based management approach in these diseases. Based on evidence and expert opinion, the task force (29 participants from 10 countries consisting of physicians, a healthcare professional and a patient) developed recommendations, with consensus obtained through voting. The final level of agreement was provided anonymously. RESULTS Five overarching principles and six-specific recommendations were formulated. Management of GCA and PMR should be based on shared decisions between patient and physician recognising the need for urgent treatment of GCA to avoid ischaemic complications, and it should aim at maximising health-related quality of life in both diseases. The treatment targets are achievement and maintenance of remission, as well as prevention of tissue ischaemia and vascular damage. Comorbidities need to be considered when assessing disease activity and selecting treatment. CONCLUSION These are the first T2T recommendations for GCA and PMR. Treatment targets, as well as strategies to assess, achieve and maintain these targets have been defined. The research agenda highlights the gaps in evidence and the need for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dejaco
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University, Graz, Austria
- Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Brunico, Italy
| | - Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Abteilung für Rheumatologie, Medizinische Universitat Wien Universitatsklinik fur Innere Medizin III, Wien, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Department of Rheumatology, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Milena Bond
- Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Brunico, Italy
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Dario Camellino
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Sanitaria Locale 3 Genovese, Arenzano, Italy
| | - Lisa Ehlers
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charite Medical Faculty Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Abril
- Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Simone Appenzeller
- Departamento de Clínica Médica. Facultade de Ciências Medicas da UNICAMP, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Maria C Cid
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Christina Duftner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Division of Internal Medicine II, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter C Grayson
- National Institutes of Health/NIAMS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernhard Hellmich
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Rheumatolgie und Immunologie, Medius Kliniken Kirchheim/Teck, University Tübingen, Kirchheim-Teck, Germany
| | - Alojzija Hočevar
- Department of Rheumatology, Universitiy Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanaz A Kermani
- Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eric L Matteson
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lorna Neill
- Patient Charity Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis Scotland, Nethy Bridge, UK
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisboa, Portugal
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Unit of Rheumatology, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sebastian Eduardo Sattui
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Philip Seo
- Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Jens Thiel
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University, Graz, Austria
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, UK
| | - Carlos Enrique Toro-Gutiérrez
- Reference Center in Osteoporosis, Rheumatology & Dermatology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Perricone C, Cafaro G, Fiumicelli E, Bursi R, Bogdanos D, Riccucci I, Gerli R, Bartoloni E. Predictors of complete 24-month remission and flare in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3391-3397. [PMID: 36566303 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00976-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
To date, few papers investigated the predictive factors of sustained 24-month remission and of flare in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). We retrospectively evaluated clinical charts from PMR patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at 1 month, 3 months and subsequently at 6, 12 and 24 months. We analyzed the differences between patients who achieved remission within 6 months of diagnosis, those who achieved remission at 24 months, and patients who did not. Among 137 patients, 57 (41.6%) achieved remission at 6 months and complete remission at 24 months was achieved by 104 patients (75.9%). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate at baseline was higher in patients who did not achieve remission than in patients who achieved it (p = 0.012). Female patients were less likely to achieve complete remission (45/68, 66.2% vs. 59/69, 85.5%, p = 0.01) compared to males. Fifty-four patients (39.4%) experienced at least one flare. Patients who did not achieve sustained complete remission suffered a flare more often (22/39 vs. 32/98, p = 0.01) and earlier than patients who did (10.33 ± 7.89 months vs. 13.64 ± 6.97 months, p = 0.011). Multivariate analysis confirmed that female sex (RR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.9) and higher baseline prednisone dosage (RR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.007-1.109) were negative independent predictors of complete remission at 24 months. A significant percentage of patients with PMR requires prolonged steroid treatment and may experience flares at 24 months of follow-up. Female sex and higher baseline prednisone dosage are negative independent predictors of complete remission at 24 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Perricone
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Cafaro
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Fiumicelli
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Bursi
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Dimitrios Bogdanos
- Internal Medicine and Autoimmune Diseases, Department Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ilenia Riccucci
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gerli
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
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11
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Espígol-Frigolé G, Dejaco C, Mackie SL, Salvarani C, Matteson EL, Cid MC. Polymyalgia rheumatica. Lancet 2023; 402:1459-1472. [PMID: 37832573 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease producing pain and stiffness, mainly in the shoulders and pelvic girdle, in people older than 50 years. Elevation of acute phase reactants is common due to the inflammatory nature of the disease. Since there are no specific diagnostic tests, diagnosis requires the exclusion of other diseases with similar presentations. Imaging has helped to identify the pathological substrate of polymyalgia rheumatica and it is increasingly used to support clinical diagnosis or to detect coexistent giant cell arteritis. Although polymyalgia rheumatica does not clearly impair survival or organ function, it can have a detrimental effect on quality of life. Glucocorticoids at 12·5-25·0 mg prednisone per day are effective in inducing remission in most individuals but, when tapered, relapses occur in 40-60% of those affected and side-effects are common. Assessment of disease activity can be difficult because pain related to common comorbidities such as osteoarthritis and tendinopathies, can return when glucocorticoids are reduced, and acute phase reactants are increased less during flares in individuals undergoing treatment or might increase for other reasons. The role of imaging in assessing disease activity is not yet completely defined. In the search for more efficient and safer therapies, tocilizumab and sarilumab have shown efficacy in randomised controlled trials and additional targeted therapies are emerging. However, judicious risk-benefit balance is essential in applying therapeutic innovations to people with polymyalgia rheumatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Espígol-Frigolé
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Brunico (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Brunico, Italy
| | - Sarah L Mackie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Division of Rheumatology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Eric L Matteson
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Maria C Cid
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Cantoni E, Merelli I, Stefanoni D, Tomelleri A, Campochiaro C, Giordano V, Panigada M, Baldissera EM, Merlo Pich L, Natoli V, Ziogas A, Domínguez-Andrés J, De Luca G, Mazza D, Zambrano S, Gnani D, Ferrarini M, Ferrero E, Agresti A, Vergani B, Leone BE, Cenci S, Ravelli A, Matucci-Cerinic M, D'Alessandro A, Joosten LAB, Dagna L, Netea MG, Molteni R, Cavalli G. Myelomonocytic cells in giant cell arteritis activate trained immunity programs sustaining inflammation and cytokine production. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3469-3479. [PMID: 36802235 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead061] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trained immunity (TI) is a de facto memory program of innate immune cells, characterized by immunometabolic and epigenetic changes sustaining enhanced production of cytokines. TI evolved as a protective mechanism against infections; however, inappropriate activation can cause detrimental inflammation and might be implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of TI in the pathogenesis of giant cell arteritis (GCA), a large-vessel vasculitis characterized by aberrant macrophage activation and excess cytokine production. METHODS Monocytes from GCA patients and from age- and sex-matched healthy donors were subjected to polyfunctional studies, including cytokine production assays at baseline and following stimulation, intracellular metabolomics, chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR, and combined ATAC/RNA sequencing. Immunometabolic activation (i.e. glycolysis) was assessed in inflamed vessels of GCA patients with FDG-PET and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the role of this pathway in sustaining cytokine production was confirmed with selective pharmacologic inhibition in GCA monocytes. RESULTS GCA monocytes exhibited hallmark molecular features of TI. Specifically, these included enhanced IL-6 production upon stimulation, typical immunometabolic changes (e.g. increased glycolysis and glutaminolysis) and epigenetic changes promoting enhanced transcription of genes governing pro-inflammatory activation. Immunometabolic changes of TI (i.e. glycolysis) were a feature of myelomonocytic cells in GCA lesions and were required for enhanced cytokine production. CONCLUSIONS Myelomonocytic cells in GCA activate TI programs sustaining enhanced inflammatory activation with excess cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate, Italy
| | - Davide Stefanoni
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado, Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alessandro Tomelleri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Maddalena Panigada
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena M Baldissera
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Natoli
- University of Genova and IRCCS G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Athanasios Ziogas
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jorge Domínguez-Andrés
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giacomo De Luca
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Mazza
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Samuel Zambrano
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Gnani
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Ferrarini
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferrero
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Agresti
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Simone Cenci
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Ravelli
- University of Genova and IRCCS G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Division of Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado, Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Raffaella Molteni
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Cavalli
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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13
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Vats V, Patel K, Sharma DD, Almansouri NE, Makkapati NSR, Nimal S, Ramteke P, Mohammed Arifuddin B, Jagarlamudi NS, Narain A, Raut YD. Exploring Cardiovascular Manifestations in Vasculitides: An In-Depth Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e44417. [PMID: 37791229 PMCID: PMC10543473 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic vasculitides encompass a cluster of autoimmune diseases that affect blood vessels, and are characterized by immune-mediated injury to either small- or large-sized blood vessels. Individuals afflicted with systemic vasculitides experience notable morbidity and mortality attributable to cardiovascular manifestations. Noteworthy among these are ischemic heart disease, venous thromboembolism, aortic involvement, valvular irregularities, myocarditis, and pericarditis. This narrative review investigated and evaluated the prevalent cardiovascular disturbances commonly associated with different types of vasculitides. This review also discusses the mechanisms that underlie these manifestations. It also provides a thorough explanation of the many diagnostic techniques essential for detecting the disease at its occult stage. It is essential for healthcare professionals to have knowledge of the cardiovascular complications caused by vasculitides, as this enables them to promptly recognize these symptoms and employ suitable diagnostic techniques early on. By doing so, timely detection can be ensured, which will subsequently aid in initiating appropriate treatment strategies that are vital for decreasing morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic vasculitides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Vats
- Internal Medicine, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, IND
| | - Kriyesha Patel
- Internal Medicine, MP Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, IND
| | | | | | | | - Simran Nimal
- Internal Medicine, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy (BJ) Government Medical College, Pune, IND
| | - Palash Ramteke
- Medical School, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, IND
| | | | | | - Archit Narain
- Internal Medicine, Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut, IND
| | - Yogesh D Raut
- Miscellaneous, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, IND
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14
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Gu J, Yang M, Zhang B, Wang H. Efficacy of JAK Inhibitors versus DMARDs in the Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica in China. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2981-2986. [PMID: 37465555 PMCID: PMC10350461 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s414267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This retrospective analysis was to assess the role of Janus kinases (JAK) inhibitors compared with conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMRADs) in the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) with glucocorticoids (GCs) reduction. Methods Clinical information was collected from PMR patients in the JAK inhibitor group and the DMARDs group from January 2020 to August 2021 at Jiaxing first Hospital. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin (Hb), albumin and dose of GCs before and after treatment were compared between two groups. Results Thirty female patients with PMR were included into this study. The dose of GCs in the JAK inhibitor group was significantly lower than in the DMARDs group at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. There were no significant differences in various laboratory parameters (including CRP, ESR, Hb and albumin) between two groups (P > 0.05) except that Hb in the DMARDs group was significantly higher than in the JAK inhibitor group at 3 and 6 months after treatment (P<0.05). One patient in the JAK inhibitor group developed herpes zoster, and received tofacitinib treatment after herpes zoster was relieved. Conclusion Our study indicates that JAK inhibitors in the treatment of PMR are as effective as DMRADs and are also helpful for the reduction of GCs dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanfang Gu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University (The First Hospital of Jiaxing), Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314300, People’s Republic of China
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingfeng Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University (The First Hospital of Jiaxing), Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314300, People’s Republic of China
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University (The First Hospital of Jiaxing), Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314300, People’s Republic of China
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University (The First Hospital of Jiaxing), Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314300, People’s Republic of China
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314300, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Mamootil D. New-Onset Polymyalgia Rheumatica Complicated by Giant Cell Arteritis Following COVID-19 Infection. Cureus 2023; 15:e41951. [PMID: 37588300 PMCID: PMC10426384 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41951] [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] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A 68-year-old female with a past medical history significant for tophaceous gout presented with pain and stiffness in her bilateral shoulders and hip joints for about two weeks after testing positive for COVID-19. Her laboratory results showed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 74 mm/h and C-reactive protein (CRP) of 25 mg/L. She showed clinical improvement in her symptoms after steroid therapy and was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Despite prompt treatment with steroids, she continued to have persistent joint pain. Also, she developed new bilateral temporal artery tenderness, headaches, blurry vision, and jaw claudication concerning giant cell arteritis (GCA). She was admitted to the hospital for high-dose pulsed IV methylprednisolone and discharged with a steroid taper along with tocilizumab injections. Her symptoms improved rapidly, and she continued to follow up with rheumatology while continuing low-maintenance doses of prednisone. Although the association between PMR and GCA is well-known, the time it takes to reach disease remission, the rate of relapse, and the length of steroid treatment are variable. There are a few COVID-19-associated cases of PMR and GCA; however, the timeline and pathophysiology of this association remain an area for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Mamootil
- Internal Medicine, Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, USA
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16
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Perugino CA, Isselbacher EM, Baliyan V, Unizony SH, Smith RN. Case 18-2023: A 19-Year-Old Woman with Dyspnea and Tachypnea. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:2275-2286. [PMID: 37314709 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc2300894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cory A Perugino
- From the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Eric M Isselbacher
- From the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Vinit Baliyan
- From the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Sebastian H Unizony
- From the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Rex N Smith
- From the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (C.A.P., E.M.I., S.H.U.), Radiology (V.B.), and Pathology (R.N.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
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Ma X, Yang F, Wu J, Xu B, Jiang M, Sun Y, Sun C, Yu Y, Xu D, Xiao L, Ren C, Chen C, Ye Z, Liang J, Lin J, Chen W. Efficacy and Safety of Tofacitinib in Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (EAST PMR): An open-label randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004249. [PMID: 37384596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory disease in elderly persons whose mechanism of pathogenesis has not been elucidated. Glucocorticoids are the main first-line treatments but result in numerous side effects. Therefore, there is a need to explore pathogenetic factors and identify possible glucocorticoid-sparing agents. We aimed to study the pathogenetic features of the disease and assess the efficacy and safety of Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK)-inhibitor tofacitinib in patients with PMR. METHODS AND FINDINGS We recruited treatment-naïve PMR patients from the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between September 2020 and September 2022. In the first cohort, we found that the gene expression patterns of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in 11 patients (10 female, 1 male, age 68.0 ± 8.3) with newly diagnosed PMR were significantly different from 20 healthy controls (17 female, 3 male, age 63.7 ± 9.8) by RNA sequencing. Inflammatory response and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction were the most notable pathways affected. We observed marked increases in expression of IL6R, IL1B, IL1R1, JAK2, TLR2, TLR4, TLR8, CCR1, CR1, S100A8, S100A12, and IL17RA, which could trigger JAK signaling. Furthermore, tofacitinib suppressed the IL-6R and JAK2 expression of CD4+T cells from patients with PMR in vitro. In the second cohort, patients with PMR were randomized and treated with tofacitinib or glucocorticoids (1/1) for 24 weeks. All PMR patients underwent clinical and laboratory examinations at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks, and PMR activity disease scores (PMR-AS) were calculated. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with PMR-AS ≤10 at weeks 12 and 24. Secondary endpoints: PMR-AS score, c-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at weeks 12 and 24. Thirty-nine patients with newly diagnosed PMR received tofacitinib, and 37 patients received glucocorticoid. Thirty-five patients (29 female, 6 male, age 64.4 ± 8.4) and 32 patients (23 female, 9 male, age 65.3 ± 8.7) patients completed the 24-week intervention, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes. At weeks 12 and 24, all patients in both groups had PMR-AS <10. PMR-AS, CRP, and ESR were all significantly decreased in both groups. No severe adverse events were observed in either group. Study limitations included the single-center study design with a short observation period. CONCLUSIONS We found that JAK signaling was involved in the pathogenesis of PMR. Tofacitinib effectively treated patients with PMR as glucocorticoid does in this randomized, monocenter, open-label, controlled trial (ChiCTR2000038253). TRIAL REGISTRATION This investigator-initiated clinical trial (IIT) had been registered on the website (http://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR2000038253).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Ma
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinzhi Wu
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bei Xu
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengdi Jiang
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiduo Sun
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuanying Sun
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Yu
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danyi Xu
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lanlan Xiao
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunyun Ren
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunyan Chen
- AnJi Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, HuZhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zi Ye
- LinHai First People's Hospital, TaiZhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junyu Liang
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Lin
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiqian Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Iudici M, Hemmig AK, Stegert M, Courvoisier C, Adler S, Becker MO, Berger CT, Dan D, Finckh A, Mahr A, Neumann T, Reichenbach S, Ribi C, Seitz L, Villiger P, Wildi L, Daikeler T. Management of giant-cell arteritis in Switzerland: an online national survey. Swiss Med Wkly 2023; 153:40051. [PMID: 37011593 DOI: 10.57187/smw.2023.40051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS OF THE STUDY To assess current practices in diagnosing, treating, and following-up giant-cell arteritis by specialists in Switzerland and to identify the main barriers to using diagnostic tools. METHODS We performed a national survey of specialists potentially caring for patients with giant-cell arteritis. The survey was sent by email to all members of the Swiss Societies of Rheumatology and for Allergy and Immunology. A reminder was sent to nonresponders after 4 and 12 weeks. Its questions covered the following dimensions: respondents' main characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and imaging's role during follow-up. The main study results were summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Ninety-one specialists, primarily aged 46-65 years (n = 53/89; 59%), working in academic or nonacademic hospitals or private practice, and treating a median of 7.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3-12) patients with giant-cell arteritis per year participated in this survey. Ultrasound of temporal arteries/large vessels (n = 75/90; 83%) and positron-emission-tomography-computed tomography (n = 52/91; 57%) or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 46/90; 51%) of the aorta/extracranial arteries were the most common techniques used to diagnose giant-cell arteritis with cranial or large vessel involvement, respectively. Most participants reported a short time to obtain imaging tests or arterial biopsy. The glucocorticoid tapering scheme, glucocorticoid-sparing agent, and glucocorticoid-sparing treatment duration varied among the participants. Most physicians did not follow a predefined repeat imaging scheme for follow-up and mainly relied on structural changes (vascular thickening, stenosis, or dilatation) to drive treatment choice. CONCLUSIONS This survey indicates that imaging and temporal biopsy are rapidly accessible for diagnosing giant-cell arteritis in Switzerland but highlights heterogeneous practice in many disease management areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iudici
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Mihaela Stegert
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Courvoisier Courvoisier
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Adler
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mike Oliver Becker
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph T Berger
- University Center for Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department Biomedicine, Translational Immunology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diana Dan
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Axel Finckh
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Mahr
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Neumann
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Reichenbach
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camillo Ribi
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Seitz
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Villiger
- Department of Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Wildi
- Department of Rheumatology, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Daikeler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Tomelleri A, Campochiaro C, Farina N, Mariotti L, Baldissera E, Grayson PC, Matucci-Cerinic M, Dagna L. Effectiveness of a two-year tapered course of tocilizumab in patients with giant cell arteritis: A single-centre prospective study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 59:152174. [PMID: 36774660 PMCID: PMC9992325 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of tocilizumab tapering and withdrawal in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS GCA patients eligible for tocilizumab were prospectively enrolled. Tocilizumab was administered weekly for the first 12 months, every-other-week for an additional 12 months, then discontinued. Relapses on tocilizumab were managed with temporary increases in systemic glucocorticoids or addition of methotrexate. Primary outcome was relapse-free survival at month 6 after tocilizumab suspension. Relapse-free survival on tocilizumab, imaging response, and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS 23 GCA patients were enrolled. Reasons for tocilizumab start were relapse (n = 14), persistence of activity (n = 5), or steroid-related adverse events (n = 4). At tocilizumab start, two patients were on methotrexate, which was maintained. Fourteen patients had extracranial vascular involvement on 18FDG-PET/CT. During the first 12 months, four patients (17%) had clinical relapse. At every-other-week tocilizumab start, all patients were in clinical remission, two patients had active vasculitis on 18FDG-PET/CT; two patients were on steroid therapy, and four patients were taking methotrexate. Two patients (9%) relapsed while on every-other-week tocilizumab. At tocilizumab suspension, no patient was on steroid therapy and no patient had signs of active vasculitis on 18FDG-PET/CT. In the 6 months after tocilizumab discontinuation, six patients (26%) relapsed. No new or unexpected safety findings were identified. CONCLUSION Tocilizumab tapered over a two-year period was effective to induce and maintain remission in GCA. Relapses on tocilizumab were minor and responded to incremental changes in therapy. A significant proportion of patients relapsed in the 6 months after therapy suspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Farina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elena Baldissera
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Peter C Grayson
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Shimizu H, Imoto H, Hara S, Nishioka H. Listeria rhombencephalitis mimicking stroke in a patient with giant cell arteritis. J Infect Chemother 2023; 29:703-706. [PMID: 36996936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes sometimes causes central nervous system infections. However, rhombencephalitis is a rare form of L. monocytogenes infection. Its clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are often similar to those of vertebrobasilar stroke. We present the case of a 79-year-old woman with Listeria rhombencephalitis presenting with rhinorrhea and productive cough. She had giant cell arteritis (GCA) treated with prednisolone and methotrexate. She was admitted for loss of appetite, rhinorrhea, and productive cough. These symptoms were alleviated without specific treatment; however, she suddenly developed multiple cranial nerve palsies, and MRI showed hyperintense signals on diffusion-weighted imaging and hypointense signals on apparent diffusion coefficient in the brainstem. Ischemic stroke due to exacerbation of GCA was suspected, and treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone was initiated; however, seizures occurred, and a lumbar puncture was performed. Cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures revealed L. monocytogenes, and she was diagnosed with Listeria rhombencephalitis. Although antibiotic treatment was continued, the patient died. Thus, when patients with rhinorrhea or productive cough develop sudden cranial nerve palsy, Listeria rhombencephalitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis, and lumbar puncture should be performed.
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21
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Dejaco C, Ramiro S, Touma Z, Bond M, Soowamber M, Sanchez-Alvarez C, Langford CA. What is a response in randomised controlled trials in giant cell arteritis? Ann Rheum Dis 2023:ard-2022-223751. [PMID: 36801812 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223751] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the gold standard for treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA); however, there is a need for studies on GC-sparing agents, given that up to 85% of patients receiving GC only develop adverse events. Previous randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have applied different primary endpoints, limiting the comparison of treatment effects in meta-analyses and creating an undesired heterogeneity of outcomes. The harmonisation of response assessment is therefore an important unmet need in GCA research. In this viewpoint article, we discuss the challenges and opportunities with the development of new, internationally accepted response criteria. A change of disease activity is a fundamental component of response; however, it is debatable whether the ability to taper GC and/or the maintenance of a disease state for a specific time period, as applied in recent RCTs, should be part of response assessment. The role of imaging and novel laboratory biomarkers as possible objective markers of disease activity needs further investigation but might be a possibility when drugs directly or indirectly influence the levels of traditional acute-phase reactants such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein. Futures response criteria might be constructed as a multidomain set, but the questions about which domains will be included and what their relative weights will be still need to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria .,Department of Rheumatology, Brunico Hospital, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Brunico, Italy
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Zahi Touma
- Department of Rheumatology, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milena Bond
- Department of Rheumatology, Brunico Hospital, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsius Medical University, Brunico, Italy
| | - Medha Soowamber
- Rheumatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catalina Sanchez-Alvarez
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Carol A Langford
- Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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22
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Twohig H, Mitchell C, Mallen CD, Muller S. Development and psychometric evaluation of the PMR-Impact Scale: a new patient reported outcome measure for polymyalgia rheumatica. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:758-765. [PMID: 35639659 PMCID: PMC9891434 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac317] [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: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES PMR causes pain, stiffness and disability in older adults. Measuring the impact of the condition from the patient's perspective is vital to high-quality research and patient-centred care, yet there are no validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for PMR. We set out to develop and psychometrically evaluate a PMR-specific PROM. METHODS Two cross-sectional postal surveys of people with a confirmed diagnosis of PMR were used to provide data for field testing and psychometric evaluation. A total of 256 participants completed the draft PROM. Distribution of item responses was examined, and exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were used to inform item reduction, formation of dimension structure and scoring system development. Some 179 participants completed the PROM at two time points, along with comparator questionnaires and anchor questions. Test-retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness were evaluated. RESULTS Results from the field-testing study led to the formation of the PMR-Impact Scale (PMR-IS), comprising four domains (symptoms, function, psychological and emotional well-being, and steroid side effects). Construct validity and test-retest reliability met accepted quality criteria for each domain. There was insufficient evidence from this study to determine its ability to detect flares/deterioration, but the PMR-IS was responsive to improvements in the condition. CONCLUSION The PMR-IS offers researchers a new way to assess patient-reported outcomes in clinical studies of PMR. It has been developed robustly, with patient input at every stage. It has good construct validity and test-retest reliability. Further work is needed to fully establish its responsiveness and interpretability parameters, and to assess its real-world clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Mitchell
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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23
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Matsumoto K, Suzuki K, Takeshita M, Takeuchi T, Kaneko Y. Changes in the molecular profiles of large-vessel vasculitis treated with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and Janus kinase inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197342. [PMID: 37197652 PMCID: PMC10183585 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis are two types of primary large-vessel vasculitis (LVV). Although glucocorticoids (GC) are the standard treatment for LVV, the disease relapse rates are high. Recent clinical trials on biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing LVV relapse rates and GC dosages. However, the control of residual inflammation and degenerative alterations in the vessel wall remains an outstanding requirement in the clinical management of LVV. The analysis of immune cell phenotypes in patients with LVV may predict their response to treatment with bDMARDs and JAK inhibitors and guide their optimal use. In this mini-review, we focused on molecular markers, including the immune cell proportions and gene expression, in patients with LVV and in mouse models of LVV treated with bDMARDs and JAK inhibitors.
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Treglia G, Albano D, Dondi F, Bertagna F, Gheysens O. A role of FDG PET/CT for Response Assessment in Large Vessel Disease? Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:78-85. [PMID: 36075772 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Currently, a large amount of evidence-based data clearly demonstrates the usefulness of [18F]FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of several infectious and inflammatory diseases, including those related to the large vessels. The aim of this article is to clarify whether, beyond initial diagnosis, [18F]FDG PET/CT may have a role in treatment response assessment in inflammatory or infectious diseases of the large vessels, including large vessel vasculitis, vascular graft infection, retroperitoneal fibrosis/chronic periaortitis and infective native aortic aneurysms. Rapidly accumulating data suggest that [18F]FDG PET/CT could be a valuable imaging method for therapy monitoring in some infectious and inflammatory diseases of large vessels. The available data, albeit preliminary, indicate that [18F]FDG PET/CT could even play a pivotal role in the management of these diseases, leading to better drug dosage, confirmation of the usefulness of the treatment, and early modification of the therapeutic strategy. However, to date, the role of [18F]FDG PET/CT for treatment assessment in large vessel diseases, in particular large vessel vasculitis, is not clearly defined and well-designed prospective studies are needed to confirm its possible role in treatment monitoring and treatment guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Domenico Albano
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertagna
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Olivier Gheysens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc and Institute of Clinical and Experimental Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
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Farina N, Tomelleri A, Campochiaro C, Dagna L. Giant cell arteritis: Update on clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 107:17-26. [PMID: 36344353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis affecting people older than 50 years. The last decades have shed new light on the clinical paradigm of this condition, expanding its spectrum beyond cranial vessel inflammation. GCA can be now considered a multifaceted vasculitic syndrome encompassing inflammation of cranial and extra-cranial arteries and girdles, isolated or combined. Such heterogeneity often leads to diagnostic delays and increases the likelihood of acute and chronic GCA-related damage. On the other hand, the approach to suspected GCA patients has been revolutionized by the introduction of vascular ultrasound which allows a rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive GCA diagnosis. Likewise, the use of tocilizumab is now part of the therapeutic algorithm of GCA and ensures a satisfactory disease control even in steroid-refractory patients. Nonetheless, some aspects of GCA still need to be clarified, including the clinical correlation of different histological patterns, and the prevention of long-term vascular complications. This narrative review depicts the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of GCA most relevant in clinical practice, with a focus on clinical updates and novelties introduced over the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Farina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Walz K, Elliott L, Pearson T. Alternatives to glucocorticoid monotherapy in the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2022; 34:1263-1270. [PMID: 35944226 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) can be challenging. The most efficacious and cost-effective treatment of PMR is some type of glucocorticoid (GC), with necessary treatment duration typically one year or longer. This duration of GC use is often associated with significant morbidity. Numerous studies have been and are being conducted that focus on alternative treatment modalities. OBJECTIVES This literature review explores alternatives to glucocorticoid monotherapy in the treatment of PMR. DATA SOURCES An integrative literature review was conducted to evaluate peer-reviewed literature on the topic. An electronic literature search was performed in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and an EBSCO search identified relevant articles in the following databases: MEDLINE Complete, Academic Search Premier, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) Plus, PsycInfo, Education Source, SocINDEX, the CDC, and PubMed. CONCLUSIONS Agents such as methotrexate and tocilizumab have been used successfully in conjunction with oral glucocorticoids and have demonstrated steroid-sparing effects. A promising adjunctive treatment is the monoclonal antibody, tocilizumab, which has been studied as both adjuvant and monotherapy. Further research in the efficacy, safety, and affordability of these agents is warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Because PMR is commonly diagnosed and managed in primary care, providers should keep abreast of the most current recommendations concerning optimal treatment options and carefully weigh the risks versus benefits of long-term GC use. This expanding area of research may assist primary care providers to better treat and manage PMR as well as reduce long-term treatment risk by minimizing corticosteroid use when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Walz
- MS(N) Family Nurse Practitioner Program, School of Nursing, Western Carolina University, Asheville, NC
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Pean De Ponfilly – Sotier M, Seror R, Nocturne G, Besson FL. 18F-FDG PET molecular imaging: A relevant tool to investigate chronic inflammatory rheumatisms in clinical practice? Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1070445. [PMID: 36530882 PMCID: PMC9748427 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1070445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
18F-Labeled Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography (18F-FDG PET) is a molecular imaging tool commonly used in practice for the assessment of many cancers. Thanks to its properties, its use has been progressively extended to numerous inflammatory conditions, including chronic inflammatory rheumatism (CIR) such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondylarthritis (SpAs) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). 18F-FDG PET is currently not recommended for the diagnostic of CIRs. However, this whole-body imaging tool has emerged in clinical practice, providing a general overview of systemic involvement occurring in CIRs. Numerous studies have highlighted the capacity of 18F-FDG PET to detect articular and extra articular involvements in RA and PMR. However, the lack of specificity of 18F-FDG limits its use for diagnosis purpose. Finally, the key question is the definition of the best way to integrate this whole-body imaging tool in the patient's management workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raphaële Seror
- Rheumatology, AP-HP. Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Centre de Recherche en Immunologie des Infections Virales et des Maladies Auto-immunes, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Gaetane Nocturne
- Rheumatology, AP-HP. Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Centre de Recherche en Immunologie des Infections Virales et des Maladies Auto-immunes, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Florent L. Besson
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine-Molecular Imaging, AP-HP. Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Inserm, BioMaps, Orsay, France
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Colaci M, Dichiara J, Aprile ML, Ippolito M, Schinocca C, Guggino G, Malatino L. Use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography in patients affected by polymyalgia rheumatica and persistent increase of acute phase reactants. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1042620. [PMID: 36465900 PMCID: PMC9709413 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1042620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disease affecting older adults characterized by aching pain and morning stiffness of the shoulder and pelvic girdles. Moreover, PMR can be associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Generally, PMR is highly responsive to steroids, reaching complete remission in the majority of cases. However, the possibility of occult diseases, including extra-cranial GCA, should be excluded. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) is able to detect the presence of peri-/articular or vascular inflammation, which may be both present in PMR, thus representing a useful diagnostic tool, mainly in presence of extra-cranial GCA. We retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients who received the diagnosis of PMR in our rheumatology clinic, classified according to the 2012 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) criteria, in the period between April 2020 and May 2022. Among this case series, we selected the patients who underwent 18F-FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) because of the persistent increase of acute phase reactants (APR) besides the steroid therapy. Eighty patients were diagnosed with PMR. Nine out of them also presented arthritis of the wrists during the follow-up, whereas none showed signs of cranial GCA at the diagnosis. Seventeen out of eighty subjects (mean age 71.5 ± 7.5 years; M/F 2/15) presented persistent increase of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mean ESR 44.2 ± 20.8 mm/h) and/or C-reactive protein (mean CRP 25.1 ± 17 mg/l), thus they underwent total body 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Large vessel 18F-FDG uptake indicating an occult GCA was found in 5/17 (29.4%) cases. Twelve out of seventeen (70.6%) patients showed persistence of peri-/articular inflammation, suggesting a scarce control of PMR or the presence of chronic arthritis. Finally, in 2 cases, other inflammatory disorders were found, namely an acute thyroiditis and a hip prosthesis occult infection. 18F-FDG-PET/CT in PMR patients with persistent increase of APR is a useful diagnostic technique in order to detect occult GCA, persistence of active PMR or other misdiagnosed inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Colaci
- Rheumatology Clinic, Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Jessika Dichiara
- Rheumatology Clinic, Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Aprile
- Rheumatology Clinic, Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Ippolito
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Schinocca
- Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Guggino
- Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Malatino
- Rheumatology Clinic, Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case-Based Narrative Review of the Literature. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2022; 26:725-740. [PMID: 36057073 PMCID: PMC9440460 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-022-01075-1] [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] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic, inflammatory condition, primarily affecting the medium and larger arteries. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe GCA in the context of headache and facial pain, based on a case and the available current literature. Understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, the associated conditions, and the differential diagnoses is important in managing GCA. Recent Findings In a patient presenting with unilateral facial/head pain with disturbances of vision, GCA should be considered in the differential diagnosis. There is an association of GCA with several comorbid conditions, and infections including coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection. Management of GCA primarily depends upon the identification of the affected artery and prompt treatment. Permanent visual loss and other serious complications are associated with GCA. Summary GCA is characterized by robust inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries and marked elevation of systemic mediators of inflammation. An interdisciplinary approach of management involving the pertinent specialties is strongly recommended.
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Matsumoto K, Suzuki K, Yoshida H, Magi M, Kaneko Y, Takeuchi T. Longitudinal monitoring of circulating immune cell phenotypes in large vessel vasculitis. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103160. [PMID: 35926769 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are two types of primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV). LVV is an intractable, rare disease with a high relapse rate. Disease progression in asymptomatic patients is an important issue in the clinical management of LVV. Useful biomarkers associated with clinical phenotypes, disease activity, and prognosis may be present in peripheral blood. In this review, we focused on peripheral leukocyte counts, surface markers, functions, and gene expression in LVV patients. In particular, we explored longitudinal changes in circulating immune cell phenotypes during the active phase of the disease and during treatment. The numbers and phenotypes of leukocytes in the peripheral blood were different between LVV and healthy controls, GCA and TAK, LVV in active versus treatment phases, and LVV in treatment responders versus non-responders. Therefore, biomarkers obtained from peripheral blood immune cells may be useful for longitudinal monitoring of disease activity in LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Matsumoto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Katsuya Suzuki
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Mayu Magi
- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Kaneko
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Intravenous tocilizumab for the treatment of giant cell arteritis: a phase Ib dose-ranging pharmacokinetic bridging study. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:133. [PMID: 35659282 PMCID: PMC9166308 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02815-9] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subcutaneous tocilizumab (TCZ SC) is approved globally for giant cell arteritis (GCA). This phase Ib study investigated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and exploratory efficacy of intravenous (IV) TCZ 6 and 7 mg/kg in patients with GCA. This study explored an IV dose resulting in a minimum exposure level within the range of effective trough concentrations achieved with TCZ SC dosing in GCA and not exceeding the exposure of the well-tolerated 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks (Q4W) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Patients with GCA who had received ≥ 5 doses of TCZ IV 8 mg/kg Q4W and achieved remission were enrolled. Patients received 5 doses of TCZ IV 7 mg/kg Q4W in period 1 and, if still in remission, 5 doses of 6 mg/kg Q4W in period 2. Pharmacokinetic endpoints were maximum concentration (Cmax), minimum concentration (Ctrough), area under the curve over a dosing interval (AUCτ), and mean concentration (Cmean) of TCZ after the last dose of each period. Other endpoints included pharmacodynamic markers, safety, and exploratory efficacy. Results In 24 patients, the median (range) age was 65.5 (57–90) years, and 62.5% were female. TCZ exposures (Cmax and AUCτ) were 11.2% and 20.0% lower at the 6- than 7-mg/kg dose. The mean interleukin 6 (IL-6) serum concentrations were elevated at baseline and remained elevated, with slightly higher concentrations in period 1 than in period 2. The mean serum soluble IL-6 receptor concentrations were elevated at baseline and comparable between the 2 doses at steady state. C-reactive protein levels and most erythrocyte sedimentation rates were within normal ranges throughout the study. Overall, 22 patients (91.7%) had ≥ 1 adverse event, and 4 (16.7%) had a serious adverse event. No patients experienced a GCA flare, and all remained in remission throughout the study. Conclusions Both doses of TCZ IV Q4W were generally well tolerated in patients with GCA. The Cmax and Cmean achieved with 6 mg/kg IV Q4W in patients with GCA were similar to those in patients with RA treated with 8 mg/kg IV Q4W, and Ctrough was within the range observed in patients with GCA treated with SC dosing every week or every 2 weeks. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03923738
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Fu LJ, Hu SC, Zhang W, Ye LQ, Chen HB, Xiang XJ. Large vessel vasculitis with rare presentation of acute rhabdomyolysis: A case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:4137-4144. [PMID: 35665112 PMCID: PMC9131208 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i13.4137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal involvement in primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV), including giant cell arteritis and Takayasu's arteritis (TAK), tends to be subacute. With the progression of arterial disease, patients may develop polyarthralgia and myalgias, mainly involving muscle stiffness, limb/jaw claudication, cold/swelling extremities, etc. Acute development of rhabdomyolysis in addition to aortic aneurysm is uncommon in LVV. Herein, we report a rare case of LVV with the first presentation of acute rhabdomyolysis.
CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old Asian woman suffering from long-term low back pain was hospitalized due to limb claudication, dark urine and an elevated creatine kinase (CK) level. After treatment with fluid resuscitation and antibiotics, the patient remained febrile. Her workup showed persistent elevated levels of inflammatory markers, and imaging studies revealed an aortic aneurysm. A decreasing CK was evidently combined with elevated inflammatory markers and negativity for anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies. LVV was suspected and confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography and positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose/computed tomography. With a favourable response to immunosuppressive treatment, her symptoms resolved, and clinical remission was achieved one month later. However, after failing to follow the tapering schedule, the patient was readministered 25 mg/d prednisolone due to disease relapse. Follow-up examinations showed decreased inflammatory markers and substantial improvement in artery lesions after 6 mo of treatment. At the twelve-month follow-up, she was clinically stable and maintained on corticosteroid therapy.
CONCLUSION An exceptional presentation of LVV with acute rhabdomyolysis is described in this case, which exhibited a good response to immunosuppressive therapy, suggesting consideration for a differential diagnosis when evaluating febrile patients with myalgia and elevated CK. Timely use of high-dose steroids until a diagnosis is established may yield a favourable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Jun Fu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shou-Ci Hu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Li-Qing Ye
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hong-Bo Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Xiang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
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Izuka S, Komai T, Natsumoto B, Shoda H, Fujio K. Self-limited Polymyalgia Rheumatica-like Syndrome Following mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination. Intern Med 2022; 61:903-906. [PMID: 34980802 PMCID: PMC8987264 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8829-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by stiffness and aching mainly in the shoulders, neck and hip girdles. The underlying pathogenesis of PMR involves myeloid lineage activation with a high expression of pattern recognition receptors. In addition, vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with mRNA-1273 functions as both an immunogen and intrinsic adjuvant. It leads to the activation of innate immunity, resulting in antibody production. We herein report the first case of PMR-like syndrome seven days after mRNA-1273 vaccination. Reassuringly, the symptoms, such as pain of the neck, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle, as well as elevated inflammatory markers were resolved within a month without glucocorticoid or immunosuppressant administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Izuka
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Komai
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bunki Natsumoto
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Antagonists (Anti TNF-α) in Personalized Treatment of Patients with Isolated Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Past and Possible Future Scenarios. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030329. [PMID: 35330329 PMCID: PMC8953282 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the cornerstone of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) therapy, but their long-term use (as is usually necessary in PMR patients) can induce many adverse events. Alternatives have long been sought. The primary aim of our narrative review is to provide an overview about the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) drugs in patients with PMR, and discuss advantages and disadvantages. Materials and methods: we performed a non-systematic literature search (PRISMA protocol not followed) on PubMed and Medline (OVID interface). Results and Conclusions: only two anti TNF-α drugs have been prescribed to PMR patients: infliximab in 62 patients and etanercept in 28 patients. These drugs were normally used in addition to GCs when significant comorbidities and/or relapsing PMR were present; less commonly, they were used as first-line therapy. In general, they have been scarcely successful in patients with PMR. Indeed, randomized controlled trials did not confirm the positive results reported in case reports and/or case series. However, an administration schedule and study design different from those proposed in the past could favour new scenarios in the interest of PMR patients.
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Vieira M, Régnier P, Maciejewski-Duval A, Le Joncour A, Darasse-Jèze G, Rosenzwajg M, Klatzmann D, Cacoub P, Saadoun D. Interferon signature in giant cell arteritis aortitis. J Autoimmun 2022; 127:102796. [PMID: 35123212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Molecular mechanisms underlying large-vessel involvement in giant cell arteritis (LV-GCA) are largely unknown. Herein, we explore the critical involvement of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in both aorta and T cells from patients with LV-GCA. METHODS We analyzed transcriptome and interferon gene signature in inflamed aortas from LV-GCA patients and compared them to non-inflammatory control aorta. Differential transcriptomic analyses of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were also performed between patients with active GCA (not under any immunosuppressants or corticosteroid doses higher than 10 mg/day by the time of blood collection) and healthy donors. Interferon-alpha serum levels were measured using ultra-sensitive technique (HD-X Simoa Planar Technology) in GCA patients according to disease activity status. RESULTS Transcriptomic analyses revealed 1042, 1479 and 2075 significantly dysregulated genes for aortas, CD4+ and CD8+ cells from LV-GCA patients, respectively, as compared to controls. A great enrichment for pathways linked to interferons (type I, II and III), JAK/STAT signaling, cytokines and chemokines was seen across aortas and circulating T cells. A type I interferon signature was identified as significantly upregulated in the aorta of patients with LV-GCA, notably regarding EPSTI1 and IFI44L genes. STAT3 was significantly upregulated in both aorta and T cells and appeared as central in related gene networks from LV-GCA patients. Interferon-alpha serum levels were higher in patients with active GCA when compared to those in remission (0.024 vs. 0.011 pg/mL; p = 0.028). CONCLUSION LV-GCA presents a clear type I interferon signature in aortas, which paves the way for tailored therapeutical targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Vieira
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Paul Régnier
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Anna Maciejewski-Duval
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Le Joncour
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Darasse-Jèze
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Michelle Rosenzwajg
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Cacoub
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - David Saadoun
- Sorbonne Universités AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, F-75013, Paris, France, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares, Centre National de Références Maladies Autoinflammatoires et Amylose Inflammatoire; Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DMU 3iD); INSERM 959, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, AP-HP, Paris, France.
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Ie K, Sakai T, Kurosu E, Motohashi I, Yagihashi K, Okuse C, Matsuda T. A Long-term Persistent Vascular Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in a Patient with Large-vessel Vasculitis. Intern Med 2022; 61:357-360. [PMID: 34334568 PMCID: PMC8866796 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.7772-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report a case of large-vessel vasculitis in a 57-year-old woman who developed an intermittent fever and weight loss. While contrast-enhanced computed tomography was noncontributory, positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed the diffuse, intense uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the aorta and its branches. Although she had no signs of relapse after successful oral corticosteroid therapy, PET-CT at 30 months revealed a persistent FDG uptake in the large vessels, which warranted regular follow-up imaging for vascular complications. In cases with an intense FDG uptake at the diagnosis, PET-CT follow-up after clinical remission may help predict the risk of relapse and vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Ie
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Municipal Tama Hospital, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Sakai
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Municipal Tama Hospital, Japan
| | - Eri Kurosu
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Municipal Tama Hospital, Japan
| | - Iori Motohashi
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Municipal Tama Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Chiaki Okuse
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Municipal Tama Hospital, Japan
| | - Takahide Matsuda
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
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Kuret T, Frank-Bertoncelj M, Lakota K, Žigon P, Thallinger GG, Kopitar AN, Čučnik S, Tomšič M, Hočevar A, Sodin-Šemrl S. From Active to Non-active Giant Cell Arteritis: Longitudinal Monitoring of Patients on Glucocorticoid Therapy in Combination With Leflunomide. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:827095. [PMID: 35127774 PMCID: PMC8811148 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.827095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we longitudinally monitored leukocyte subsets, expression of neutrophil surface adhesion molecules (CD62L and CD11b) and serum analytes in therapy-naïve patients with active giant cell arteritis (GCA). We collected blood samples at the baseline, and at weeks 1, 4, 12, 24, and 48 of follow-up, and evaluated short- and long-term effects of glucocorticoids (GC) vs. GC and leflunomide. Our aim was to identify candidate biomarkers that could be used to monitor disease activity and predict an increased risk of a relapse. Following high doses of GC, the numbers of CD4+ T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes transiently increased and then subsided when GC dose tapering started at week 4. In contrast, the numbers of neutrophils significantly increased during the follow-up time of 12 weeks compared to pre-treatment time. Neutrophil CD62L rapidly diminished after initiation of GC therapy, however its expression remained low at week 48, only in patients under combinatorial therapy with leflunomide. Levels of acute phase reactant SAA and IL-6 decreased significantly after treatment with GC and leflunomide, while levels of IL-8, IL-18, and CHI3L1 did not change significantly during the follow-up period. CHI3L1 was associated with signs of transmural inflammation and vessel occlusion and might therefore serve as a marker of fully developed active GCA, and a promising therapeutic target. Patients with relapses had higher levels of IL-23 at presentation than patients without relapses (p = 0.021). Additionally, the levels of IL-23 were higher at the time of relapse compared to the last follow-up point before relapse. IL-23 might present a promising biomarker of uncontrolled and active disease and could give early indication of upcoming relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeja Kuret
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Science and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | | | - Katja Lakota
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Science and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Polona Žigon
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Science and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Gerhard G. Thallinger
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- OMICS Center Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreja N. Kopitar
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Saša Čučnik
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Tomšič
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alojzija Hočevar
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Snežna Sodin-Šemrl
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Science and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Snežna Sodin-Šemrl
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Kasahara A, Kida T, Hirano A, Omura S, Sofue H, Sakashita A, Sagawa T, Asano M, Fukui M, Wada M, Kohno M, Kawahito Y. Risk of Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica Versus Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study. Mod Rheumatol 2022; 32:891-898. [PMID: 35041750 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are more susceptible to glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency, one of the barriers to glucocorticoid tapering strategies, compared to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS This cross-sectional study included PMR and RA patients who underwent adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) tests to assess adrenal function. The eligibility criteria were as follows: previous use of prednisolone (PSL) ≥ 5 mg/day, use of PSL for 6 consecutive months before ACTH test, and current use of PSL at 5 mg/day or less. The association between disease type (PMR vs. RA) and insufficient adrenal response was assessed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Twenty-six of 34 (76.5%) patients with PMR and 13 of 37 (35.1%) patients with RA had insufficient adrenal response. Compared to patients with RA, patients with PMR were more likely to have insufficient adrenal response, even after adjusting for age, sex, and PSL dose (adjusted odds ratio, 6.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-25.60). CONCLUSION Patients with PMR have a higher risk of glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency than patients with RA. Assessing the adrenal function in patients with PMR will contribute to establishing a more appropriate glucocorticoid reduction strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Kasahara
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Kida
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aiko Hirano
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Omura
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideaki Sofue
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aki Sakashita
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoya Sagawa
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mai Asano
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michiaki Fukui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Wada
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masataka Kohno
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kawahito
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Emamifar A, Hess S, Ellingsen T, Gerke O, Ahangarani Farahani Z, Syrak Hansen P, Jensen Hansen IM, Thye-Rønn P. Clinical presentation and treatment response in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis during a 40-week follow-up. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2021; 5:rkab091. [PMID: 34909566 PMCID: PMC8665449 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim was to study the clinical features of PMR/GCA and clinical predictors of treatment response during a 40-week follow-up period. Methods Clinical data on 77 patients with newly diagnosed PMR/GCA who were treated with oral glucocorticoids were gathered at baseline and during a 40-week follow-up period. A unilateral temporal artery biopsy (TAB) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT were undertaken at diagnosis. In total, each patient was seen on five occasions (i.e. baseline and weeks 4, 16, 28 and 40). Treatment response was assessed by considering clinical evaluations and results of inflammatory markers. Results Of 77 patients [49 (63.6%) female; mean age 71.8 (8.0) years], 64 (83.1%) patients had pure PMR, 10 (13.0%) concomitant PMR and GCA, and 3 (3.9%) pure GCA. The patients reported that clinical symptoms, apart from scalp pain and duration of morning stiffness, improved significantly at week 4 and remained lower at week 40 compared with the relative frequencies at baseline. Besides, all components of physical examination showed significant improvement and remained lower at week 40 compared with the baseline. A complete response was seen in 68.7, 62.9, 44.1 and 33.3% of patients at weeks 4, 16, 28 and 40, respectively. Several clinical features, including female biological sex, younger age, fewer relapses and a lower level of baseline ESR, were significantly associated with a better treatment response. Treatment response during the follow-up period was independent of TAB results and fluorodeoxyglucose uptakes on 18F-FDG PET/CT at diagnosis. Conclusion Obtaining valid disease-specific outcome measures for evaluating treatment efficacy in PMR and GCA that can be applied universally is clearly an unmet clinical need. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02985424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Emamifar
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense.,Diagnostic Center.,Department of Rheumatology, Svendborg Hospital, OUH, Svendborg.,OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense
| | - Søren Hess
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Hospital of Southwest Jutland, Esbjerg.,Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark
| | - Torkell Ellingsen
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark
| | - Oke Gerke
- Research Unit of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Peter Thye-Rønn
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense.,Diagnostic Center
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Tomelleri A, van der Geest KSM, Sebastian A, van Sleen Y, Schmidt WA, Dejaco C, Dasgupta B. Disease stratification in giant cell arteritis to reduce relapses and prevent long-term vascular damage. THE LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(21)00277-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Harkins P, Conway R. Giant cell arteritis: what is new in the preclinical and early clinical development pipeline? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:921-932. [PMID: 34106030 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1940949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common systemic vasculitis worldwide. For decades, glucocorticoids have represented the mainstay of treatment, at the expense of toxic systemic effects owing to prolonged courses of high-dose treatment regimens. The search for effective drugs permitting lower glucocorticoid treatment regimens in GCA has been afrustrating one. The recent successful therapeutic application of tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor, has transformed the treatment of GCA and catalyzed research exploring other promising therapeutic targets.Areas covered: This review explores emerging drugs in preclinical and clinical development for the management of GCA, in addition to synthesizing data on the current standard of care therapeutic agents. Drug therapies were identified by search of MEDLINE and PubMed in addition to trials from registries (clinicaltrials.gov, clinicaltrialsregister.eu, pubmed.gov) from theyear 2010.Expert opinion: Tocilizumab has revolutionized the treatment of GCA. However, much remains to be learned about its optimal usage in GCA and asubstantial minority of pa tients do not achieve sustained glucocorticoid-free remission. Numerous exciting new agents are under investigation to fill this treatment gap in GCA, with the GM-CSF inhibitor mavrilimumab, and IL-12/23 blockade with ustekinumab providing promise through targeting the GCA pathogenic pathway in its proximal portion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Harkins
- Department of Rheumatology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Richard Conway
- Department of Rheumatology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
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42
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Betrains A, Van Laere K, Van Rompuy AS, Blockmans D. Formerly undetected giant cell arteritis revealed at hysterectomy. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:e141-e142. [PMID: 33202026 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Leuven, Belgium
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Diagnostic value of [18F]FDG-PET/CT for treatment monitoring in large vessel vasculitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 48:3886-3902. [PMID: 33942141 PMCID: PMC8484162 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05362-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Monitoring disease activity in patients with large vessel vasculitis (LVV) can be challenging. [18F]FDG-PET/CT is increasingly used to evaluate treatment response in LVV. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize the current evidence on the value of [18F]FDG-PET/CT for treatment monitoring in LVV. METHODS PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane library database were searched from inception through October 21, 2020. Studies containing patients with LVV (i.e. giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis and isolated aortitis) that received treatment and underwent [18F]FDG-PET/CT were included. Screening, full-text review and data extraction were performed by 2 investigators. The risk of bias was examined with the QUADAS-2 tool. Meta-analysis of proportions and diagnostic test accuracy was performed by a random-effects model and bivariate model, respectively. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review, of which 8 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Arterial [18F]FDG uptake decreased upon clinical remission in longitudinal studies. High heterogeneity (I2 statistic 94%) precluded meta-analysis of the proportion of patients in which the scan normalized during clinical remission. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies indicated that [18F]FDG-PET/CT may detect relapsing/refractory disease with a sensitivity of 77% (95%CI 57-90%) and specificity of 71% (95%CI 47-87%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed among the cross-sectional studies. Both variation in clinical aspects and imaging procedures contributed to the heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Treatment of LVV leads to reduction of arterial [18F]FDG uptake during clinical remission. [18F]FDG-PET/CT has moderate diagnostic accuracy for detecting active LVV. [18F]FDG-PET/CT may aid treatment monitoring in LVV, but its findings should be interpreted in the context of the clinical suspicion of disease activity. This study underlines the relevance of published procedural recommendations for the use of [18F]FDG-PET/CT in LVV.
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44
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Reply to: What could a new disease activity score for polymyalgia rheumatica do better? Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:185-186. [PMID: 33257870 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-00551-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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45
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Leeb BF. What could a new disease activity score for polymyalgia rheumatica do better? Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:185. [PMID: 33257871 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-00550-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard F Leeb
- University Clinic for Internal Medicine - Rheumatology, St. Poelten, Austria. .,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Clinical Rheumatology, Hollabrunn, Austria.
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46
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Antimitochondrial Antibodies and Primary Biliary Cholangitis in Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica/Giant Cell Arteritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57040350. [PMID: 33917502 PMCID: PMC8067448 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Laboratory liver abnormalities can be observed in patients affected with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and/or giant cell arteritis (GCA), especially with a cholestatic pattern. The first objective of our review article is to discuss the potential link between antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and/or primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and PMR/GCA, according to the evidences of literature. The second objective is to discuss the association of PMR/GCA with the other rheumatic diseases having PBC as a common manifestation. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed on PubMed and Medline (OVID interface) using these terms: polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis, antimitochondrial antibodies, primary biliary cholangitis, primary Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The search was restricted to all studies and case reports published in any language. Reviews, conference abstracts, comments, and non-original articles were excluded; however, each review’s reference list was scanned for additional publications meeting this study’s aim. When papers reported data partially presented in previous articles, we referred to the most recent published data. Results and Conclusions: Our literature search highlighted that cases reporting an association between AMA, PBC and PMR/GCA were very uncommon; AMA antigenic specificity had never been detected and biopsy-proven PBC was reported only in one patient with PMR/GCA. Finally, the association of PMR/GCA with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in which PBC is relatively common was anecdotal.
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47
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Kargiotis O, Psychogios K, Safouris A, Bakola E, Andreadou E, Karapanayiotides T, Finitsis S, Palaiodimou L, Giannopoulos S, Magoufis G, Tsivgoulis G. Cervical duplex ultrasound for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis with vertebral artery involvement. J Neuroimaging 2021; 31:656-664. [PMID: 33817861 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic inflammatory arteriopathy of medium and large-sized arteries, predominantly affecting branches of the external carotid artery. Ischemic stroke has been reported in 2.8-7% of patients diagnosed with GCA. The majority of ischemic strokes may involve the posterior circulation as a result of vertebral and/or, less frequently, of basilar artery vasculitis. Prompt diagnosis is crucial since high-dose corticosteroid treatment is highly effective in preventing the occurrence or recurrence of ischemic complications, including posterior circulation ischemic stroke in cases with vertebrobasilar involvement. Cervical duplex sonography (CDS) of the temporal arteries is a powerful diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of GCA. In cases with clinical suspicion or a temporal artery ultrasonographic confirmation of GCA, a detailed evaluation of the cervical, axillary, and intracranial arteries with CDS and transcranial-duplex-sonography, respectively, should be part of the ultrasound examination protocol. Specifically, signs of extracranial vertebral artery wall inflammation ("halo" sign) and focal luminar stenoses may be accurately depicted by ultrasounds in high-risk patients or individuals with ischemic stroke attributed to GCA. In this review, we present three cases of GCA and posterior circulation ischemic complications that were initially evaluated with comprehensive neurosonology protocol and were promptly diagnosed with GCA based on the characteristic "halo" sign in the temporal and vertebral arteries. In addition, we discuss the relevant literature concerning the utility of CDS for the early diagnosis of GCA, focusing on the subtype with extracranial arterial involvement, particularly that of the vertebral arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Apostolos Safouris
- Stroke Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Piraeus, Greece.,Second Department of Neurology, National & Kapodistiran University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Bakola
- Second Department of Neurology, National & Kapodistiran University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Elizabeth Andreadou
- First Department of Neurology, National & Kapodistiran University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Eginition" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodore Karapanayiotides
- Second Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stephanos Finitsis
- Department of Interventional Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lina Palaiodimou
- Second Department of Neurology, National & Kapodistiran University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Giannopoulos
- Second Department of Neurology, National & Kapodistiran University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, National & Kapodistiran University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Bosch P, Dejaco C, Schmidt WA, Schlüter KD, Pregartner G, Schäfer VS. Ultrasound for diagnosis and follow-up of chronic axillary vasculitis in patients with long-standing giant cell arteritis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2021; 13:1759720X21998505. [PMID: 33796156 PMCID: PMC7983430 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x21998505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: To assess intima-media thickness (IMT) changes measured by ultrasound in axillary arteries of giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients over time and to calculate an ultrasound cut-off value for the diagnosis of chronic axillary artery involvement in patients with longstanding GCA. Methods: Ultrasound of both axillary arteries was performed in 109 GCA patients at time of diagnosis and at several follow-up visits and in 40 healthy controls (HCs). IMT determined at the prospective follow-up visit was compared between GCA patients with (axGCA) and without (non-axGCA) vasculitis of axillary arteries at baseline, as well as with HCs. Changes in IMT were depicted. Receiver operating characteristics were performed for cut-off calculations. Inter-/intra-rater agreement was evaluated using stored images and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Seventy-three patients were in the axGCA and 36 in the non-axGCA group. Pathological IMT of axillary arteries (axGCA) declined in the first 18 months of treatment by −0.5 mm, (range −2.77 to 0.50), independent of age and gender. Median IMT, after median disease duration of 48 months (16–137), was 0.90 mm (0.46–2.20) in axGCA and 0.60 mm (0.42–1.0) in the non-axGCA group pooled with HCs. An IMT of 0.87 mm was highly specific (specificity 96%, sensitivity 61%) for diagnosis of chronic axGCA. Intra-rater and inter-reader agreement of ultrasound images were good [ICC 0.96–1.0 (three readers) and 0.87, respectively]. Conclusion: Pathological IMT of the axillary artery declined under treatment. An IMT of 0.87 mm is highly specific for diagnosis of chronic vasculitis of axillary arteries in long-standing GCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Bosch
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kenny D- Schlüter
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Pregartner
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Valentin S Schäfer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen 53127, Germany
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49
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[Glucocorticoids in the treatment of giant cell arteritis : How much, how long and how to spare?]. Z Rheumatol 2021; 80:322-331. [PMID: 33710440 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-021-00975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Arias M, Heydari-Kamjani M, Kesselman MM. Giant Cell Arteritis and Cardiac Comorbidity. Cureus 2021; 13:e13391. [PMID: 33754114 PMCID: PMC7971721 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large vessel vasculitis with a pathogenesis that involves two CD4 T-helper cell lineages, Th1 and Th17. The goal of GCA treatment is to achieve clinical remission and prevent complications, especially vision loss. Despite recent advances in treatment and diagnostic modalities for GCA, there continues to be a gap in the medical literature in addressing treatment and follow-up for patients with GCA after clinical remission is achieved. Of the most important issues to address in this patient population by rheumatologists and primary care physicians alike, is that of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks in GCA patients associated with the vasculitis and its mainstay of treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids over a prolonged period of time. Physicians must be aware of the CVD events that have been observed in a higher proportion compared to the general population in GCA patients, including strokes, thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections, myocardial infarctions, and peripheral vascular disease. This review will focus on the risk of CVD in GCA patients, with recommendations for management and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magela Arias
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| | - Milad Heydari-Kamjani
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| | - Marc M Kesselman
- Rheumatology, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
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