1
|
Boiardi L, Marvisi C, Macchioni P, Cavazza A, Croci S, Besutti G, Spaggiari L, Giorgi Rossi P, Cimino L, Pipitone N, Ricordi C, Muratore F, Salvarani C. Eosinophilic giant cell arteritis: A different subset of disease? Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 65:152409. [PMID: 38350341 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152409] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical findings, response to therapy and course of patients with transmural eosinophilic infiltration at temporal artery biopsy (TAB). METHODS The study consisted of a retrospective cohort of 254 consecutive GCA patients with evidence of transmural inflammation at TAB seen at the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital over a 28-year period. The findings of the 22 patients with eosinophilic infiltration (≥ 20 eosinophils/hpf) at TAB were compared with those of 232 patients without. Among these 232 patients, we sampled 42 GCA patients matched for age, sex and follow-up duration to the 22 with eosinophilic infiltration, to compare allergic manifestations. RESULTS GCA patients with eosinophilic infiltration compared to those without presented more frequently cranial symptoms (p = 0.052), headaches (p = 0.005), abnormalities of TAs at physical examination (p = 0.045), jaw claudication (p = 0.024), and systemic manifestations (p = 0.016) and had higher CRP levels at diagnosis (p = 0.001). Regarding histological lesions, a severe transmural inflammation, laminar necrosis and intraluminal acute thrombosis were more frequently observed in patients with eosinophilic infiltration (p = 0.066, p < 0.001, and p = 0.010, respectively). Long-term remission and flares were similar in the two groups. When 21 GCA patients with eosinophilic infiltration were compared to 42 without, blood eosinophilic counts at diagnosis were normal and no patients had evidence or developed allergic manifestations and/or clinical findings of systemic necrotizing vasculitis. CONCLUSION Patients with transmural eosinophilic infiltration represent a subset of GCA with cranial disease and more severe inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Boiardi
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy
| | - Chiara Marvisi
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Macchioni
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazza
- Operative Unit of Pathologic Anatomy, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefania Croci
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulia Besutti
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Radiology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lucia Spaggiari
- Radiology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Paolo Giorgi Rossi
- Epidemiology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Cimino
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Ocular Immunology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Nicolò Pipitone
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy
| | - Caterina Ricordi
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Muratore
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bonnan M, Debeugny S. Giant-cell arteritis related strokes: scoping review of mechanisms and rethinking treatment strategy? Front Neurol 2023; 14:1305093. [PMID: 38130834 PMCID: PMC10733536 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1305093] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a rare and severe complication of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Although early diagnosis and treatment initiation are essential, the mechanism of stroke is often related to vasculitis complicated by arterial stenosis and occlusion. Its recurrence is often attributed to early steroid resistance or late GCA relapse, so immunosuppressive treatment is often reinforced. However, many questions concerning the mechanisms of stroke remain elusive, and no review to date has examined the whole data set concerning GCA-related stroke. We therefore undertook this scoping review. GCA-related stroke does not necessarily display general signs and inflammatory parameters are sometimes normal, so clinicians should observe caution. Ischemic lesions often show patterns predating watershed areas and are associated with stenosis or thrombosis of the respective arteries, which are often bilateral. Lesions predominate in the siphon in the internal carotid arteries, whereas all the vertebral arteries may be involved with a predominance in the V3-V4 segments. Ultrasonography of the cervical arteries may reveal edema of the intima (halo sign), which is highly sensitive and specific of GCA, and precedes stenosis. The brain arteries are spared although very proximal arteritis may rarely occur, if the patient has microstructural anatomical variants. Temporal artery biopsy reveals the combination of mechanisms leading to slit-like stenosis, which involves granulomatous inflammation and intimal hyperplasia. The lumen is sometimes occluded by thrombi (<15%), suggesting that embolic lesions may also occur, although imaging studies have not provided strong evidence for this. Moreover, persistence of intimal hyperplasia might explain persisting arterial stenosis, which may account for delayed stroke occurring in watershed areas. Other possible mechanisms of stroke are also discussed. Overall, GCA-related stroke mainly involves hemodynamic mechanisms. Besides early diagnosis and treatment initiation, future studies could seek to establish specific preventive or curative treatments using angioplasty or targeting intimal proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mickael Bonnan
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Delafontaine, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Stephane Debeugny
- Département d'Information Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Pau, Pau, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Taze D, Chakrabarty A, Venkateswaran R, Hartley C, Harden C, Morgan AW, Mackie SL, Griffin KJ. Histopathology reporting of temporal artery biopsy specimens for giant cell arteritis: results of a modified Delphi study. J Clin Pathol 2023:jcp-2023-208810. [PMID: 37321853 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-208810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is regarded as the gold-standard test in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). There is a lack of agreement among experienced pathologists regarding the diagnostic features and classification of inflammation observed in TAB sections in the diagnosis of GCA. AIMS The aim of this research study was to establish consensus on the key parameters which should be included in a standardised reporting proforma for TAB specimens. We specifically investigated factors pertaining to clinical information, specimen handling and microscopic pathological features. METHODS A modified Delphi process, comprising three survey rounds and three virtual consensus group meetings, was undertaken by 13 UK-based pathology or ophthalmology consultants, with a 100% response rate across the three rounds. Initial statements were formulated after a literature review and participants were asked to rate their agreement using a nine-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined a priori as an agreement of ≥70% and individual feedback was provided after each round, together with data on the distribution of group responses. RESULTS Overall, 67 statements reached consensus and 17 statements did not. The participants agreed on the core microscopic features to be included in a pathology report and felt that a proforma would facilitate consistent reporting practices. CONCLUSIONS Our work revealed uncertainty surrounding the correlation between clinical parameters (eg, laboratory markers of inflammation and steroid therapy duration) and microscopic findings, and we propose areas for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Taze
- Department of Histopathology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Arundhati Chakrabarty
- Department of Histopathology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Collette Hartley
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Charlotte Harden
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ann Wendy Morgan
- Department of Histopathology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sarah Louise Mackie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Kathryn Jane Griffin
- Department of Histopathology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tomelleri A, van der Geest KSM, Khurshid MA, Sebastian A, Coath F, Robbins D, Pierscionek B, Dejaco C, Matteson E, van Sleen Y, Dasgupta B. Disease stratification in GCA and PMR: state of the art and future perspectives. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023:10.1038/s41584-023-00976-8. [PMID: 37308659 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are closely related conditions characterized by systemic inflammation, a predominant IL-6 signature, an excellent response to glucocorticoids, a tendency to a chronic and relapsing course, and older age of the affected population. This Review highlights the emerging view that these diseases should be approached as linked conditions, unified under the term GCA-PMR spectrum disease (GPSD). In addition, GCA and PMR should be seen as non-monolithic conditions, with different risks of developing acute ischaemic complications and chronic vascular and tissue damage, different responses to available therapies and disparate relapse rates. A comprehensive stratification strategy for GPSD, guided by clinical findings, imaging and laboratory data, facilitates appropriate therapy and cost-effective use of health-economic resources. Patients presenting with predominant cranial symptoms and vascular involvement, who usually have a borderline elevation of inflammatory markers, are at an increased risk of sight loss in early disease but have fewer relapses in the long term, whereas the opposite is observed in patients with predominant large-vessel vasculitis. How the involvement of peripheral joint structures affects disease outcomes remains uncertain and understudied. In the future, all cases of new-onset GPSD should undergo early disease stratification, with their management adapted accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alwin Sebastian
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fiona Coath
- Rheumatology Department, Mid and South Essex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-sea, UK
| | - Daniel Robbins
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Barbara Pierscionek
- Faculty of Health Education Medicine and Social Care, Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford Campus, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck (ASAA-SABES), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Bruneck, Italy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eric Matteson
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Rheumatology Department, Mid and South Essex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-sea, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kapuczinski A, Demeulenaere N, Tavares Ferreira N, Ciamala A, Rossi C, Rusu S, Remmelink M, Vandergheynst F, Léon M. Giant cell arteritis with adventitial pattern in a 51-year-old man: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7109. [PMID: 36941841 PMCID: PMC10023673 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7109] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical presentation as well as histological or biological findings can sometimes make the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis difficult. Histopathological features of temporal artery biopsy from giant cell arteritis patients are also challenging because of the various described appearances or even finding of clinically normal temporal artery biopsy does not rule out the diagnosis. We here describe the case of a 51-year-old man with temporal artery biopsy showing lymphocytes infiltrates in the adventitia corresponding to the so-called adventitial pattern of giant cell arteritis according to Hernandez-Rodriguez et al.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abeline Kapuczinski
- Rheumatology Department H.U.B Erasme Bruxelles Belgium
- Rheumatology Department Hôpital Ambroise Paré Mons Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Camélia Rossi
- Infectious Disease Department Hôpital Ambroise Paré Mons Belgium
| | - Stefan Rusu
- Anatomopathology Department H.U.B Erasme Bruxelles Belgium
| | | | | | - Marc Léon
- Rheumatology Department Hôpital Ambroise Paré Mons Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hemmig AK, Aschwanden M, Seiler S, Berger CT, Köhn P, Kyburz D, Mensch N, Staub D, Stegert M, Imfeld S, Daikeler T. Long delay from symptom onset to first consultation contributes to permanent vision loss in patients with giant cell arteritis: a cohort study. RMD Open 2023; 9:rmdopen-2022-002866. [PMID: 36635003 PMCID: PMC9843209 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterise factors associated with permanent vision loss (PVL) and potential reasons for the therapeutic delay contributing to PVL in giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS Retrospective analysis of GCA patients diagnosed at the University Hospital Basel between December 2006 and May 2021. RESULTS Of 282 patients with GCA (64% females), 49 (17.4%) experienced PVL. In 43/49 (87.8%) PVL occurred before treatment. Of these, 24 (55.8%) patients had first non-ocular symptoms and eventually sought consultation when PVL occurred in a median of 21 (IQR 14.75-31.0) days after the first symptoms. Only five of the 24 patients had consulted a physician before PVL, but GCA diagnosis was missed. Treatment was initiated rapidly after diagnosis (median 1 day (IQR 0.0-7.0)). PVL on therapy occurred in six patients in a median of 40 (IQR 20.5-67.3) days after treatment started. In two of those, glucocorticoids were tapered too quickly.In multivariable analysis, patients with PVL were older (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.29, p=0.001) and reported more frequently jaw claudication (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.02 to 13.16, p=0.051). PVL was present in 18 (42.9%) of the 42 patients with vasculitic ultrasound findings in all six temporal artery segments. The incidence of PVL over 15 years did not decline (Spearman rank=0.3, p=0.68). CONCLUSION The prevalence of GCA-associated PVL remains high. Associated factors were advanced age, jaw claudication and ultrasound findings consistent with vasculitis in all six temporal artery segments. Despite preceding non-ocular GCA symptoms weeks before the onset of PVL, most patients were not seen by a rheumatologist before PVL occurred.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Aschwanden
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Seiler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph T Berger
- University Center for Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Köhn
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diego Kyburz
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Noemi Mensch
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Staub
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mihaela Stegert
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Imfeld
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Daikeler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland .,University Center for Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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]
|
9
|
Ciccia F, Macaluso F, Mauro D, Nicoletti GF, Croci S, Salvarani C. New insights into the pathogenesis of giant cell arteritis: are they relevant for precision medicine? THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2021; 3:e874-e885. [PMID: 38287633 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(21)00253-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis is a primary granulomatous vasculitis characterised by a strict tissue tropism for large and medium-size vessels, occurring in people older than 50 years. Although considerable progress in understanding some of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of giant cell arteritis has been made in the past 10 years, specific triggers of disease and mechanisms of chronic damage have not yet been identified. The definition of a specific pro-inflammatory hierarchy between the multiple cell types and the different cytokines or chemokines involved in the inflammatory process are still unexplored areas of study. The overall goal of precision medicine is to identify the best possible therapeutic approach for an individual or group of individuals with a given disease. The fundamental prerequisite of this approach is the identification, at baseline, of clinical and imaging findings and of molecular biomarkers that allow a precise stratification of patients and an adequate prediction of the therapeutic response. In this regard, the possibility of obtaining temporal artery biopsies for diagnostic purposes offers incredible exploratory possibilities to define different disease pathotypes potentially susceptible to different therapeutic interventions. In this Series paper, we will describe the most recent evidence relating to the pathogenesis of giant cell arteritis, trying to define, if possible, a new pathogenetic-centred approach to patients with giant cell arteritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ciccia
- Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Università della Campania L Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
| | - Federica Macaluso
- Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Università della Campania L Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; Dipartimento Specialità Mediche, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Daniele Mauro
- Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Università della Campania L Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Francesco Nicoletti
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania L Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Croci
- Autoimmunità, Allergologia e Biotecnologie Innovative, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Dipartimento Specialità Mediche, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Dipartimento Chirurgico, Medico, Odontoiatrico e di Scienze Morfologiche con interesse Trapiantologico, Oncologico e di Medicina Rigenerativa, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hiyama R, Oiwa H, Kanou Y, Nishibe S, Kono T, Nomura E. A case of giant cell arteritis lacking typical symptoms presenting with recurrent cerebellar infarctions: A case report and case-based review. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2021; 6:220-225. [PMID: 34850091 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) occasionally presents with ischaemic stroke. Generally, symptoms related to GCA or elevated levels of inflammation markers would be a clue for the diagnosis of GCA. However, we encountered a rare case of GCA that presented with recurrent cerebellar infarctions without symptoms related to GCA (headache, fever, or jaw claudication). Furthermore, C-reactive protein levels, measured at the time of two of the stroke attacks, were within the normal range. On physical examination, the temporal arteries were prominent and weakly pulsatile. Temporal artery ultrasonography showed halo signs, and temporal artery biopsy revealed GCA. To our knowledge, this is the first case of GCA presenting with recurrent ischaemic stroke lacking GCA features but diagnosed before death. Considering this case-based review, we suggest that GCA may have been missed in elderly patients with ischaemic stroke, especially in those with posterior circulation infarction. Therefore, physical examination of the temporal arteries, temporal artery ultrasonography, and vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in those patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichiro Hiyama
- Department of Rheumatology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Oiwa
- Department of Rheumatology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yukari Kanou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Araki Neurosurgical Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shiho Nishibe
- Department of Pathology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kono
- Department of Neurology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eiichi Nomura
- Department of Neurology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
van der Geest KSM, Wolfe K, Borg F, Sebastian A, Kayani A, Tomelleri A, Gondo P, Schmidt WA, Luqmani R, Dasgupta B. Ultrasonographic Halo Score in giant cell arteritis: association with intimal hyperplasia and ischaemic sight loss. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 60:4361-4366. [PMID: 33355340 PMCID: PMC8410002 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We investigated the relationship between the ultrasonographic Halo Score and temporal artery biopsy (TAB) findings in GCA. Methods This is a prospective study including 90 patients suspected of having GCA. Ultrasonography of temporal/axillary arteries and a TAB were obtained in all patients at baseline. An experienced pathologist evaluated whether TAB findings were consistent with GCA, and whether transmural inflammation, giant cells and intimal hyperplasia were present. Ultrasonographic Halo Scores were determined. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed. Results Twenty-seven patients had a positive TAB, while 32 patients with a negative TAB received a clinical diagnosis of GCA after 6 months of follow-up. Patients with a positive TAB showed higher Halo Scores than patients with a negative TAB. The presence of intimal hyperplasia in the biopsy, rather than the presence of transmural inflammation or giant cells, was associated with elevated Halo Scores in patients with GCA. The Halo Score discriminated well between TAB-positive patients with and without intimal hyperplasia, as indicated by an area under the curve of 0.82 in the receiver operating characteristic analysis. Patients with a positive TAB and intimal hyperplasia more frequently presented with ocular ischaemia (40%) than the other patients with GCA (13–14%). Conclusion The ultrasonographic Halo Score may help to identify a subset of GCA patients with intimal hyperplasia, a TAB feature associated with ischaemic sight loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology
| | - Konrad Wolfe
- Department of Pathology, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-sea,UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raashid Luqmani
- Department of Rheumatology, NDORMS, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Putman MS, Gribbons KB, Ponte C, Robson J, Suppiah R, Craven A, Watts R, Luqmani R, Merkel PA, Archer AM, Grayson PC. Clinicopathologic Associations in a Large International Cohort of Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2020; 74:1013-1018. [PMID: 33338326 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In addition to aiding in diagnosis, histopathologic findings from temporal artery biopsy (TAB) specimens in giant cell arteritis (GCA) may be valuable for their associations with clinical features of the disease. This study compared histopathologic findings on TAB with biopsy interpretation and demographic, clinical, and imaging features at time of diagnosis. METHODS Patients with a clinical diagnosis of GCA who had a TAB were selected from an international, multicenter observational cohort of vasculitis. Associations between demographic, clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features were identified using bivariate testing and multivariate regression modeling. RESULTS Out of 705 patients with GCA who underwent TAB, 69% had histopathological evidence of definite vasculitis. Specific histopathological findings included the presence of giant cells (51%), fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina (41%), intimal thickening (33%), and predominantly mononuclear leukocyte infiltration (32%). Histopathologic interpretation of definite vasculitis was independently associated with giant cells (odds ratios (OR) 151.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 60.2-551.6), predominantly mononuclear leukocyte infiltration (OR 11.8, CI 5.9-24.9), and fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina (OR 3.7, CI 1.9-7.4). A halo sign on temporal artery ultrasound and luminal damage of large arteries on angiography were significantly associated with presence of giant cells (OR 2.6, CI 1.1-6.5 and OR 2.4, CI 1.1-5.2, respectively). Specific histopathologic findings were associated with older age but no associations were identified with vision loss or other clinical features. CONCLUSION Histopathologic findings in GCA are strongly associated with the clinical diagnosis of GCA but have a limited role in identifying patterns of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Putman
- Department of Rheumatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Bates Gribbons
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, NIAMS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joanna Robson
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, GB, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Ravi Suppiah
- Department of Rheumatology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, NZ
| | - Anthea Craven
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, GB, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Richard Watts
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, GB, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Raashid Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, GB, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy M Archer
- Department of Rheumatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter C Grayson
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, NIAMS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yue H, Febbraio M, Klenotic PA, Kennedy DJ, Wu Y, Chen S, Gohara AF, Li O, Belcher A, Kuang B, McIntyre TM, Silverstein RL, Li W. CD36 Enhances Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Development of Neointimal Hyperplasia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 39:263-275. [PMID: 30567481 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.312186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective- Dysregulated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) plays an essential role in neointimal hyperplasia. CD36 functions critically in atherogenesis and thrombosis. We hypothesize that CD36 regulates VSMC proliferation and contributes to the development of obstructive vascular diseases. Approach and Results- We found by immunofluorescent staining that CD36 was highly expressed in human vessels with obstructive diseases. Using guidewire-induced carotid artery injury and shear stress-induced intima thickening models, we compared neointimal hyperplasia in Apoe-/-, Cd36-/- /Apoe-/-, and CD36 specifically deleted in VSMC (VSMC cd36-/-) mice. CD36 deficiency, either global or VSMC-specific, dramatically reduced injury-induced neointimal thickening. Correspondingly, carotid artery blood flow was significantly increased in Cd36-/- /Apoe-/- compared with Apoe-/- mice. In cultured VSMCs from thoracic aorta of wild-type and Cd36-/- mice, we found that loss of CD36 significantly decreased serum-stimulated proliferation and increased cell populations in S phase, suggesting that CD36 is necessary for VSMC S/G2-M-phase transition. Treatment of VSMCs with a TSR (thrombospondin type 1 repeat) peptide significantly increased wild-type, but not Cd36-/- VSMC proliferation. TSR or serum treatment significantly increased cyclin A expression in wild-type, but not in Cd36-/- VSMCs. STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription), which reportedly enhances both VSMC differentiation and maturation, was higher in Cd36-/- VSMCs. CD36 deficiency significantly decreased expression of Col1A1 (type 1 collagen A1 chain) and TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor beta 1), and increased expression of contractile proteins, including calponin 1 and smooth muscle α actin, and dramatically increased cell contraction. Conclusions- CD36 promotes VSMC proliferation via upregulation of cyclin A expression that contributes to the development of neointimal hyperplasia, collagen deposition, and obstructive vascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yue
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV (H.Y., A.B., W.L.)
| | - Maria Febbraio
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (M.F.)
| | - Philip A Klenotic
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH (P.A.K.)
| | | | - Yueheng Wu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, China (Y.W., S.C.)
| | - Shaoxian Chen
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, China (Y.W., S.C.)
| | - Amira F Gohara
- Department of Pathology (A.F.G.), University of Toledo, OH
| | - Oliver Li
- Marshall University Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Huntington, WV (O.L., W.L.)
| | - Adam Belcher
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV (H.Y., A.B., W.L.)
| | - Bin Kuang
- Department of Plastic and Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, China (B.K.)
| | - Thomas M McIntyre
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH (T.M.M.).,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, OH (T.M.M.)
| | - Roy L Silverstein
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (R.L.S.)
| | - Wei Li
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV (H.Y., A.B., W.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Monti S, Águeda AF, Luqmani RA, Buttgereit F, Cid M, Dejaco C, Mahr A, Ponte C, Salvarani C, Schmidt W, Hellmich B. Systematic literature review informing the 2018 update of the EULAR recommendation for the management of large vessel vasculitis: focus on giant cell arteritis. RMD Open 2019; 5:e001003. [PMID: 31673411 PMCID: PMC6803016 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2019-001003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To analyse the current evidence for the management of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) to inform the 2018 update of the EULAR recommendations. Methods Two systematic literature reviews (SLRs) dealing with diagnosis/monitoring and treatment strategies for LVV, respectively, were performed. Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to 31 December 2017. Evidence on imaging was excluded as recently published in dedicated EULAR recommendations. This paper focuses on the data relevant to giant cell arteritis (GCA). Results We identified 287 eligible articles (122 studies focused on diagnosis/monitoring, 165 on treatment). The implementation of a fast-track approach to diagnosis significantly lowers the risk of permanent visual loss compared with historical cohorts (level of evidence, LoE 2b). Reliable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for GCA are still not available (LoE 3b).The SLR confirms the efficacy of prompt initiation of glucocorticoids (GC). There is no high-quality evidence on the most appropriate starting dose, route of administration, tapering and duration of GC (LoE 4). Patients with GCA are at increased risk of dose-dependent GC-related adverse events (LoE 3b). The addition of methotrexate or tocilizumab reduces relapse rates and GC requirements (LoE 1b). There is no consistent evidence that initiating antiplatelet agents at diagnosis would prevent future ischaemic events (LoE 2a). There is little evidence to guide monitoring of patients with GCA. Conclusions Results from two SLRs identified novel evidence on the management of GCA to guide the 2018 update of the EULAR recommendations on the management of LVV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Monti
- Rheumatology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,PhD in Experimental Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ana F Águeda
- Rheumatology, Baixo Vouga Hospital Centre Agueda Unit, Agueda, Portugal
| | - Raashid Ahmed Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charite University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Cid
- Vasculitis Research Unit, Hospital Clinic; Institute d'Investiacions Biomèdiques August pi I Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Rheumatology; South Tyrol Health Trust, Gesundheitsbezirk Bruneck, Brunico, Italy.,Rheumatology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alfred Mahr
- Internal Medicine, Université Paris Diderot Institut Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Marta, Lisboa, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, University of Lisbon Institute of Molecular Medicine, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Schmidt
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin Standort Berlin-Wannsee, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hellmich
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Vaskulitis-Zentrum Süd, Medius Kliniken, Universitatsklinikum Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hellmich B, Agueda A, Monti S, Buttgereit F, de Boysson H, Brouwer E, Cassie R, Cid MC, Dasgupta B, Dejaco C, Hatemi G, Hollinger N, Mahr A, Mollan SP, Mukhtyar C, Ponte C, Salvarani C, Sivakumar R, Tian X, Tomasson G, Turesson C, Schmidt W, Villiger PM, Watts R, Young C, Luqmani RA. 2018 Update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 79:19-30. [PMID: 31270110 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 549] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the publication of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) in 2009, several relevant randomised clinical trials and cohort analyses have been published, which have the potential to change clinical care and therefore supporting the need to update the original recommendations. METHODS Using EULAR standardised operating procedures for EULAR-endorsed recommendations, the EULAR task force undertook a systematic literature review and sought opinion from 20 experts from 13 countries. We modified existing recommendations and created new recommendations. RESULTS Three overarching principles and 10 recommendations were formulated. We recommend that a suspected diagnosis of LVV should be confirmed by imaging or histology. High dose glucocorticoid therapy (40-60 mg/day prednisone-equivalent) should be initiated immediately for induction of remission in active giant cell arteritis (GCA) or Takayasu arteritis (TAK). We recommend adjunctive therapy in selected patients with GCA (refractory or relapsing disease, presence of an increased risk for glucocorticoid-related adverse events or complications) using tocilizumab. Methotrexate may be used as an alternative. Non-biological glucocorticoid-sparing agents should be given in combination with glucocorticoids in all patients with TAK and biological agents may be used in refractory or relapsing patients. We no longer recommend the routine use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy for treatment of LVV unless it is indicated for other reasons. CONCLUSIONS We have updated the recommendations for the management of LVV to facilitate the translation of current scientific evidence and expert opinion into better management and improved outcome of patients in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Hellmich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology, Medius Kliniken, University of Tübingen, Kirchheim-Teck, Germany
| | - Ana Agueda
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga E.P.E, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara Monti
- Rheumatology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hubert de Boysson
- Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Caen, Caen, Basse-Normandie, France
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maria C Cid
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Christian Dejaco
- Rheumatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.,Rheumatology, Hospital of Bruneck, Bruneck, Italy
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nicole Hollinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology, Medus Klinken, Karl-Albrechts-Universität Tübingen, Kirchheim-Teck, Germany
| | - Alfred Mahr
- Hospital Saint-Louis, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Chetan Mukhtyar
- Rheumatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Maria - CHLN, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Rajappa Sivakumar
- Stroke and Neurocritical Care, GLB Hospitals and Acute Stroke Centers, Chennai, India
| | - Xinping Tian
- Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Carl Turesson
- Department of Rheumatology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Wolfgang Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter M Villiger
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology / Allerg, University Hospital (Inselspital), Bern, Switzerland
| | - Richard Watts
- Norwich Medical School, Bob Champion Research and Education Building, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Raashid Ahmed Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science (NDORMs), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang H, Watanabe R, Berry GJ, Nadler SG, Goronzy JJ, Weyand CM. CD28 Signaling Controls Metabolic Fitness of Pathogenic T Cells in Medium and Large Vessel Vasculitis. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 73:1811-1823. [PMID: 30975299 PMCID: PMC6709860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In giant cell arteritis, vessel-wall infiltrating CD4 T cells and macrophages form tissue-destructive granulomatous infiltrates, and the artery responds with a maladaptive response to injury, leading to intramural neoangiogenesis, intimal hyperplasia, and luminal occlusion. Lesion-residing T cells receive local signals, which represent potential therapeutic targets. OBJECTIVES The authors examined how CD28 signaling affects vasculitis induction and maintenance, and which pathogenic processes rely on CD28-mediated T-cell activation. METHODS Vasculitis was induced by transferring peripheral blood mononuclear cells from giant cell arteritis patients into immunodeficient NSG mice engrafted with human arteries. Human artery-NSG chimeras were treated with anti-CD28 domain antibody or control antibody. Treatment effects and immunosuppressive mechanisms were examined in vivo and in vitro applying tissue transcriptome analysis, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and immunometabolic analysis. RESULTS Blocking CD28-dependent signaling markedly reduced tissue-infiltrating T cells and effectively suppressed vasculitis. Mechanistic studies implicated CD28 in activating AKT signaling, T-cell proliferation and differentiation of IFN-γ and IL-21-producing effector T cells. Blocking CD28 was immunosuppressive by disrupting T-cell metabolic fitness; specifically, the ability to utilize glucose. Expression of the glucose transporter Glut1 and of glycolytic enzymes as well as mitochondrial oxygen consumption were all highly sensitive to CD28 blockade. Also, induction and maintenance of CD4+CD103+ tissue-resident memory T cells, needed to replenish the vasculitic infiltrates, depended on CD28 signaling. CD28 blockade effectively suppressed vasculitis-associated remodeling of the vessel wall. CONCLUSIONS CD28 stimulation provides a metabolic signal required for pathogenic effector functions in medium and large vessel vasculitis. Disease-associated glycolytic activity in wall-residing T-cell populations can be therapeutically targeted by blocking CD28 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ryu Watanabe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Gerald J Berry
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Jörg J Goronzy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Cornelia M Weyand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
van der Geest KSM, Sandovici M, van Sleen Y, Sanders JS, Bos NA, Abdulahad WH, Stegeman CA, Heeringa P, Rutgers A, Kallenberg CGM, Boots AMH, Brouwer E. Review: What Is the Current Evidence for Disease Subsets in Giant Cell Arteritis? Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:1366-1376. [PMID: 29648680 PMCID: PMC6175064 DOI: 10.1002/art.40520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an autoimmune vasculitis affecting large and medium‐sized arteries. Ample evidence indicates that GCA is a heterogeneous disease in terms of symptoms, immune pathology, and response to treatment. In the current review, we discuss the evidence for disease subsets in GCA. We describe clinical and immunologic characteristics that may impact the risk of cranial ischemic symptoms, relapse rates, and long‐term glucocorticoid requirements in patients with GCA. In addition, we discuss both proven and putative immunologic targets for therapy in patients with GCA who have an unfavorable prognosis. Finally, we provide recommendations for further research on disease subsets in GCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Sandovici
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Stephan Sanders
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas A Bos
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wayel H Abdulahad
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A Stegeman
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Rutgers
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cees G M Kallenberg
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke M H Boots
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Keser G, Aksu K, Direskeneli H. Discrepancies between vascular and systemic inflammation in large vessel vasculitis: an important problem revisited. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:784-790. [PMID: 28968895 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A lack of absolute correlation between systemic inflammation parameters and ongoing vascular disease activity is an important problem in some patients with large vessel vasculitis, especially Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Systemic and vascular wall inflammation in TAK are obviously interrelated, but sometimes they may act independently. There are clear discrepancies between these two types of inflammation, including cytokine patterns and responses to treatment. Vascular and systemic inflammation may also be discordant in two subgroups of giant cell arteritis. The first subgroup is mainly characterized by severe systemic inflammation mostly associated with IL-6-driven immunity, while in the second subgroup there is less systemic inflammation but prominent neuro-ophthalmic ischaemic complications characterized mostly by IFN-γ-mediated effects. Although no definite boundaries exist, it may be suggested that the IL-6/Th17/IL-17 pathway primarily drives systemic inflammation while the IL-12/Th1/IFN-γ pathway dominates in vascular wall inflammation both in TAK and giant cell arteritis. Immunosuppressive treatment of TAK (especially corticosteroids) initially suppresses systemic inflammation, while longer treatment duration is required for the suppression of vascular inflammation. Therefore, evaluating only the systemic inflammation may be misleading. Vascular wall inflammation is currently evaluated using expensive imaging methods, which are not feasible for repetitive use. Although pentraxin-3 is superior to erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP, we need more reliable biomarkers to reflect vascular wall inflammation in patients with TAK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gokhan Keser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Kenan Aksu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Haner Direskeneli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Weyand CM, Berry GJ, Goronzy JJ. The immunoinhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in inflammatory blood vessel disease. J Leukoc Biol 2017; 103:565-575. [PMID: 28848042 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3ma0717-283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of their vital function, the wall structures of medium and large arteries are immunoprivileged and protected from inflammatory attack. That vascular immunoprivilege is broken in atherosclerosis and in vasculitis, when wall-invading T cells and macrophages (Mϕ) promote tissue injury and maladaptive repair. Historically, tissue-residing T cells were studied for their antigen specificity, but recent progress has refocused attention to antigen-nonspecific regulation, which determines tissue access, persistence, and functional differentiation of T cells. The coinhibitory receptor PD-1, expressed on T cells, delivers negative signals when engaged by its ligand PD-L1, expressed on dendritic cells, Mϕ, and endothelial cells to attenuate T cell activation, effector functions, and survival. Through mitigating signals, the PD-1 immune checkpoint maintains tissue tolerance. In line with this concept, dendritic cells and Mϕs from patients with the vasculitic syndrome giant cell arteritis (GCA) are PD-L1lo ; including vessel-wall-embedded DCs that guard the vascular immunoprivilege. GCA infiltrates in the arterial walls are filled with PD-1+ T cells that secrete IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-21; drive inflammation-associated angiogenesis; and facilitate intimal hyperplasia. Conversely, chronic tissue inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaque is associated with an overreactive PD-1 checkpoint. Plaque-residing Mϕs are PD-L1hi , a defect induced by their addiction to glucose and glycolytic breakdown. PD-L1hi Mϕs render patients with coronary artery disease immunocompromised and suppress antiviral immunity, including protective anti-varicella zoster virus T cells. Thus, immunoinhibitory signals affect several domains of vascular inflammation; failing PD-L1 in vasculitis enables unopposed immunostimulation and opens the flood gates for polyfunctional inflammatory T cells, and excess PD-L1 in the atherosclerotic plaque disables tissue-protective T cell immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia M Weyand
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gerald J Berry
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jörg J Goronzy
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang H, Watanabe R, Berry GJ, Tian L, Goronzy JJ, Weyand CM. Inhibition of JAK-STAT Signaling Suppresses Pathogenic Immune Responses in Medium and Large Vessel Vasculitis. Circulation 2017; 137:1934-1948. [PMID: 29254929 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.117.030423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell arteritis, a chronic autoimmune disease of the aorta and its large branches, is complicated by aneurysm formation, dissection, and arterial occlusions. Arterial wall dendritic cells attract CD4+ T cells and macrophages to form prototypic granulomatous infiltrates. Vasculitic lesions contain a diverse array of effector T cells that persist despite corticosteroid therapy and sustain chronic, smoldering vasculitis. Transmural inflammation induces microvascular neoangiogenesis and results in lumen-occlusive intimal hyperplasia. We have examined whether persistent vessel wall inflammation is maintained by lesional T cells, including the newly identified tissue-resident memory T cells, and whether such T cells are sensitive to the cytokine-signaling inhibitor tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor targeting JAK3 and JAK1. METHODS Vascular inflammation was induced in human arteries engrafted into immunodeficient mice that were reconstituted with T cells and monocytes from patients with giant cell arteritis. Mice carrying inflamed human arteries were treated with tofacitinib or vehicle. Vasculitic arteries were examined for gene expression (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), protein expression (immunohistochemistry), and infiltrating cell populations (flow cytometry). RESULTS Tofacitinib effectively suppressed innate and adaptive immunity in the vessel wall. Lesional T cells responded to tofacitinib with reduced proliferation rates (<10%) and minimal production of the effector molecules interferon-γ, interleukin-17, and interleukin-21. Tofacitinib disrupted adventitial microvascular angiogenesis, reduced outgrowth of hyperplastic intima, and minimized CD4+CD103+ tissue-resident memory T cells. CONCLUSIONS Cytokine signaling dependent on JAK3 and JAK1 is critically important in chronic inflammation of medium and large arteries. The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib effectively suppresses tissue-resident memory T cells and inhibits core vasculitogenic effector pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology (H.Z., R.W., J.J.G., C.M.W.)
| | - Ryu Watanabe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology (H.Z., R.W., J.J.G., C.M.W.)
| | | | - Lu Tian
- Department of Biomedical Data Science (L.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Jörg J Goronzy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology (H.Z., R.W., J.J.G., C.M.W.)
| | - Cornelia M Weyand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology (H.Z., R.W., J.J.G., C.M.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis in individuals aged 50 years and over. GCA typically affects large and medium-sized arteries, with a predilection for the extracranial branches of the carotid artery. Patients with GCA usually present with symptoms and signs that are directly related to the artery that is affected, with or without constitutional manifestations. The most dreaded complication of GCA is visual loss, which affects about one in six patients and is typically caused by arteritis of the ophthalmic branches of the internal carotid artery. Before the advent of glucocorticoid treatment, the prevalence of visual complications was high. Increasing awareness by physicians of the symptoms of GCA and advances in diagnostic techniques over the past twenty years have also contributed to a substantial decline in the frequency of permanent visual loss. Ischaemic brain lesions are less common than visual lesions, and mostly result from vasculitis of the extradural vertebral or carotid arteries. In the case of both the eye and the brain, ischaemic damage is thought to result from arterial stenosis or occlusion that occurs secondary to the inflammatory process. The inflammatory response at the onset of arteritis, its role as a predictor of complications and the role of traditional cardiovascular risk factors have been extensively investigated in the past decade. In this Review, the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation and current therapeutic approach of GCA-related ischaemic events are discussed, with a particular emphasis on visual loss.
Collapse
|
23
|
Immunoinhibitory checkpoint deficiency in medium and large vessel vasculitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E970-E979. [PMID: 28115719 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616848114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) causes autoimmune inflammation of the aorta and its large branches, resulting in aortic arch syndrome, blindness, and stroke. CD4+ T cells and macrophages form organized granulomatous lesions in the walls of affected arteries, destroy the tunica media, and induce ischemic organ damage through rapid intimal hyperplasia and luminal occlusion. Pathogenic mechanisms remain insufficiently understood; specifically, it is unknown whether the unopposed activation of the immune system is because of deficiency of immunoinhibitory checkpoints. Transcriptome analysis of GCA-affected temporal arteries revealed low expression of the coinhibitory ligand programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) concurrent with enrichment of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor. Tissue-residing and ex vivo-generated dendritic cells (DC) from GCA patients were PD-L1lo, whereas the majority of vasculitic T cells expressed PD-1, suggesting inefficiency of the immunoprotective PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint. DC-PD-L1 expression correlated inversely with clinical disease activity. In human artery-SCID chimeras, PD-1 blockade exacerbated vascular inflammation, enriched for PD-1+ effector T cells, and amplified tissue production of multiple T-cell effector cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-21. Arteries infiltrated by PD-1+ effector T cells developed microvascular neoangiogenesis as well as hyperplasia of the intimal layer, implicating T cells in the maladaptive behavior of vessel wall endogenous cells. Thus, in GCA, a breakdown of the tissue-protective PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint unleashes vasculitic immunity and regulates the pathogenic remodeling of the inflamed arterial wall.
Collapse
|
24
|
Muratore F, Boiardi L, Cavazza A, Aldigeri R, Pipitone N, Restuccia G, Bellafiore S, Cimino L, Salvarani C. Correlations between histopathological findings and clinical manifestations in biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis. J Autoimmun 2016; 69:94-101. [PMID: 27009904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To correlate histopathological features of positive temporal artery biopsy (TAB) and clinical manifestations of the disease in a large single-center population-based cohort of patients with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS A pathologist with expertise in vasculitis and blinded to clinical data and final diagnosis reviewed all TABs performed for suspected GCA at our hospital between January 1986 and December 2013. Histopathologic features evaluated were: the severity of inflammation and intimal hyperplasia, both graded on a semiquantitative scale (mild = 1, moderate = 2, severe = 3), the presence of intraluminal acute thrombosis, calcifications, giant cells, fibrinoid necrosis and laminar necrosis. RESULTS 274 patients had a final diagnosis of biopsy-proven GCA and were included in the study. Cranial ischemic events (CIEs) were observed in 161 (58.8%), visual manifestations in 79 (28.8%) and permanent (partial or complete) visual loss in 51 (18.6%) patients. Predictors for the development of CIEs were older age (OR = 1.057, 95% CI 1.019-1.097, p = 0.003), lower ESR values (OR = 0.990, 95% CI 0.981-0.999, p = 0.026) as well as the presence of giant cells (OR = 1.848, 95% CI 1.045-3.269, p = 0.035) and laminar necrosis at TAB (OR = 2.334, 95% CI 1.187-4.587, p = 0.014). Predictors for the development of permanent visual loss were lower CRP values (OR = 0.906, 95% CI 0.827-0.992, p = 0.033) and the presence of calcifications at TAB (OR = 3.672, 95% CI 1.479-9.121, p = 0.005). Fibrinoid necrosis was not observed in any of the TABs evaluated. CONCLUSION Pathological features of TAB may predict some manifestations of GCA. These findings may have implications for patients' management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Muratore
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luigi Boiardi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazza
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Raffaella Aldigeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Nicolò Pipitone
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Restuccia
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Bellafiore
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Cimino
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hernández-Rodríguez J, Murgia G, Villar I, Campo E, Mackie SL, Chakrabarty A, Hensor EMA, Morgan AW, Font C, Prieto-González S, Espígol-Frigolé G, Grau JM, Cid MC. Description and Validation of Histological Patterns and Proposal of a Dynamic Model of Inflammatory Infiltration in Giant-cell Arteritis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2368. [PMID: 26937893 PMCID: PMC4778989 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The extent of inflammatory infiltrates in arteries from patients with giant-cell arteritis (GCA) have been described using different terms and definitions. Studies investigating the relationship between GCA histological features and clinical manifestations have produced controversial results. The aims of this study were to characterize and validate histological patterns in temporal artery biopsies (TABs) from GCA patients, to explore additional histological features, including the coexistence of different patterns, and also to investigate the relationship of the inflammatory patterns with clinical and laboratory features.We performed histological examination of TAB from patients with GCA consecutively diagnosed between 1992 and 2012. Patterns of inflammation were defined according to the extent and distribution of inflammatory infiltrates within the artery. Clinical and laboratory variables were recorded. Two external investigators underwent a focused, one-day training session and then independently scored 77 cases. Quadratic-weighted kappa was calculated.TAB from 285 patients (200 female/85 male) were evaluated. Four histological inflammatory patterns were distinguished: 1 - adventitial (n = 16); 2 - adventitial invasive: adventitial involvement with some extension to the muscular layer (n = 21); 3 - concentric bilayer: adventitial and intimal involvement with media layer preservation (n = 52); and 4 - panarteritic (n = 196). Skip lesions were observed in 10% and coexistence of various patterns in 43%. Raw agreement of each external scorer with the gold-standard was 82% and 77% (55% and 46% agreement expected from chance); kappa = 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70-0.95) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.68-0.91). Although abnormalities on temporal artery palpation and the presence of jaw claudication and scalp tenderness tended to occur more frequently in patients with arteries depicting more extensive inflammation, no statistically significant correlations were found between histological patterns and clinical features or laboratory findings.In conclusion, we have described and validated 4 histological patterns. The presence of different coexisting patterns likely reflects sequential steps in the progression of inflammation and injury. No clear relationship was found between these patterns and clinical or laboratory findings. However, several cranial manifestations tended to occur more often in patients with temporal arteries exhibiting panarteritic inflammation. This validated score system may be useful to standardize stratification of histological severity for immunopathology biomarker studies or correlation with imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Hernández-Rodríguez
- From the Vasculitis Research Unit, Department of Autoimmune Diseases (JHR, GM, IV, CF, SPG, GEF, MCC); Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (EC); Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds and NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (SLM, EMAH, AWM); Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK (AC); Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (JMG)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
O'Neill L, Ponte C, Sznajd J, Rodrigues AP, Seeliger B, Luqmani RA. Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis: Are they a different spectrum of the same disease? INDIAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.injr.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
|
27
|
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large-vessel vasculitis predominantly affecting older people, with a peak incidence between 70 and 79 years of age. If untreated, ischaemic complications can be catastrophic for the patient, including blindness. We review the current treatment paradigms for this condition, the mainstay of which is immediate high-dose glucocorticoid therapy with a gradual dose tapering. Adverse events of glucocorticoid therapy are often observed after 12-24 months and corticosteroid-sparing adjuvant therapies are used in severe disease, multiple flares or patients at high risk of prolonged therapy. The current understanding of the pathogenesis of GCA is explored. This has informed the identification of new potential targets and approaches to treatment. Blockade of interleukin (IL)-6 (tocilizumab) and IL-1 (gevokizumab) are being evaluated in phase III clinical trials. It is hoped that improved risk stratification of organ damage and relapses will be developed using imaging and biomarkers, allowing for individualised treatment for patients; however, there remains further work to be done before this becomes a reality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Steel
- Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-sea, Essex, SS0 0RY, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ntlholang O, McDonagh R, Nicholson S, Brett F, Bradley D, Harbison J. Is Intimal Hyperplasia Associated with Cranial Arterial Stenosis in Cannabis-Associated Cerebral Infarction? Int J Stroke 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ijs.12521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- O. Ntlholang
- Acute Stroke Service, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R. McDonagh
- Acute Stroke Service, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S. Nicholson
- Department of Pathology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - F. Brett
- Department of Pathology, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D. Bradley
- Acute Stroke Service, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J. Harbison
- Acute Stroke Service, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Larivière D, Sacre K, Klein I, Hyafil F, Choudat L, Chauveheid MP, Papo T. Extra- and intracranial cerebral vasculitis in giant cell arteritis: an observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e265. [PMID: 25526454 PMCID: PMC4603113 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognizing giant cell arteritis (GCA) in patients with stroke may be challenging. We aimed to highlight the clinical spectrum and long-term follow-up of GCA-specific cerebrovascular accidents. Medical charts of all patients followed in a French Department of Internal Medicine for GCA between January 2008 and January 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with cerebrovascular accidents at GCA diagnosis were included. Diagnosis of GCA was based on American College of Rheumatology criteria. Transient ischemic attacks and stroke resulting from an atherosclerotic or cardioembolic mechanism were excluded. Clinical features, GCA-diagnosis workup, brain imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study, treatment, and follow-up data were analyzed. From January 2008 to January 2014, 97 patients have been followed for GCA. Among them, 8 biopsy-proven GCA patients (mean age 70±7.8 years, M/F sex ratio 3/1) had stroke at GCA diagnosis. Six patients reported headache and visual impairment. Brain MR angiography showed involvement of vertebral and/or basilar arteries in all cases with multiple or unique ischemic lesions in the infratentorial region of the brain in all but one case. Intracranial cerebral arteries involvement was observed in 4 cases including 2 cases with cerebral angiitis. Long lasting lesions on diffusion-weight brain MRI sequences were observed in 1 case. All patients received steroids for a mean of 28.1±12.8 months. Side effects associated with long-term steroid therapy occurred in 6 patients. Relapses occurred in 4 patients and required immunosuppressive drugs in 3 cases. After a mean follow-up duration of 36.4±16.4 months, all but 1 patient achieved complete remission without major sequelae. The conjunction of headache with vertebral and basilar arteries involvement in elderly is highly suggestive of stroke associated with GCA. Intracranial cerebral arteries involvement with cerebral angiitis associated with long lasting brain lesions on diffusion-weight brain MRI sequences may occur in GCA. Both frequent relapses and steroid-induced side effects argue for the use of immunosuppressive agents combined with steroids as first-line therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Larivière
- From the Université Paris Diderot, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat; Département de Médecine Interne, Paris, France (DL, KS, MPC, TP); Département Hospitalo-Universitaire (DHU) Fire, Paris, France (KS, TP); INSERM U1146, Paris, France (KS, TP); Université Paris Diderot, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat; Département de Radiologie, Paris, France (IK); Université Paris Diderot, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat; Département de Médecine Nucléaire, Paris, France (FH); and Université Paris Diderot, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat; Département de Pathologie, Paris, France (LC)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H. Smith
- Kentucky Neuroscience Institute; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Vasculitis of the medium and large arteries, most often presenting as giant cell arteritis (GCA), is an infrequent, but potentially fatal, type of immune-mediated vascular disease. The site of the aberrant immune reaction, the mural layers of the artery, is strictly defined by vascular dendritic cells, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, which engage in an interaction with T cells and macrophages to, ultimately, cause luminal stenosis or aneurysmal wall damage of the vessel. A multitude of effector cytokines, all known as critical mediators in host-protective immunity, have been identified in vasculitic lesions. Two dominant cytokine clusters--the IL-6-IL-17 axis and the IL-12-IFN-γ axis--have been linked to disease activity. These two clusters seem to serve different roles in the vasculitic process. The IL-6-IL-17 cluster is highly responsive to standard corticosteroid therapy, whereas the IL-12-IFN-γ cluster is resistant to steroid-mediated immunosuppression. The information exchange between vascular and immune cells and stabilization of the vasculitic process involves members of the Notch receptor and ligand family. Focusing on elements in the tissue context of GCA, instead of broadly suppressing host immunity, might enable a more tailored therapeutic approach that avoids unwanted adverse effects of aggressive immunosuppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia M Weyand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR Building Room 2225, Mail Code 5166, 269 Campus Drive West, Stanford, CA 94305-5166, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liozon E, Ly KH, Robert PY. Manifestations ophtalmologiques de la maladie de Horton. Rev Med Interne 2013; 34:421-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2013.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
33
|
Marie I. Maladie de Horton et pseudopolyarthrite rhizomélique : critères diagnostiques. Rev Med Interne 2013; 34:403-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2013.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
34
|
Abstract
Although it varies from center to center, the frequency of temporal artery biopsy in patients suspected of having temporal arteritis (TA) is relatively small. Most commonly, patients suspected of having TA are placed on prednisone for varying periods of time, and if symptoms disappear or lessen the diagnosis is made. During a recent 13-year period at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, 15 patients with TA had the diagnosis of TA confirmed by histological examination of a biopsy of one temporal artery. The length of the biopsied artery varied from 0.7 to 5.5 cm (mean 2.7). The 15 patients ranged in age from 68 to 94 years (mean 82, median 85), and 11 (73%) were women. In 13 of the 15 patients (87%), the lumen of the temporal artery was narrowed >95% in cross-sectional area by the panarteritis, and the temporal artery was associated with giant cells in 11 patients (73%). Large collections of erythrocytes were present in the inflamed arterial walls in 5 patients (33%). All 15 patients were treated with varying doses of prednisone with favorable response in each. Eight patients (53%) died from 1 to 105 months (mean 52, median 57) after biopsy of the temporal artery. We have neither positive nor negative evidence that the TA played a role in the patients' death. Despite the present study and numerous others in the last 70 years, the cause of TA remains a mystery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William C Roberts
- Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute (Roberts, Zafar, Ko) and the Departments of Pathology and Internal Medicine (Division of Cardiology) (Roberts), Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are inflammatory diseases that typically affect white individuals >50 years. Women are affected ∼2-3 times more often than men. PMR and GCA occur together more frequently than expected by chance. The main symptoms of PMR are pain and stiffness in the shoulders, and often in the neck and pelvic girdle. Imaging studies reveal inflammation of joints and bursae of the affected areas. GCA is a large-vessel and medium-vessel arteritis predominantly involving the branches of the aortic arch. The typical clinical manifestations of GCA are new headache, jaw claudication and visual loss. PMR and GCA usually remit within 6 months to 2 years from disease onset. Some patients, however, have a relapsing course and might require long-standing treatment. Diagnosis of PMR and GCA is based on clinical features and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Temporal artery biopsy remains the gold standard to support the diagnosis of GCA; imaging studies are useful to delineate large-vessel involvement in GCA. Glucocorticoids remain the cornerstone of treatment of both PMR and GCA, but patients with GCA require higher doses. Synthetic immunosuppressive drugs also have a role in disease management, whereas the role of biologic agents is currently unclear.
Collapse
|
36
|
Dejaco C, Duftner C, Dasgupta B, Matteson EL, Schirmer M. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: management of two diseases of the elderly. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.2217/ahe.11.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Both polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) present with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and almost exclusively occur in the population aged over 50 years. After rheumatoid arthritis, PMR is the second most common autoimmune rheumatic disorder. Visual loss is the most feared complication in temporal arteritis, and extracranial arteries and/or aorta are more often involved in GCA than previously estimated. No specific laboratory parameter exists for diagnosis of PMR. Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, MRI or 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET may be helpful in the diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of vascular involvement in these diseases. This article highlights upcoming new classification criteria for PMR, recent advances of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as ongoing research on biomarkers and corticosteroid-sparing medications, which should improve management of PMR and GCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2/4, A-8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Duftner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bezirkskrankenhaus Kufstein, Endach 27, A-6330 Kufstein, Austria
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Department of Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital, Essex, UK
| | - Eric L Matteson
- Division of Rheumatology & Division of Epidemiology, Departments of Internal Medicine & Health Sciences Research Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael Schirmer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Vasculitides are characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the blood vessel wall. Large vessels including the aorta are affected in giant-cell arteritis, medium-size arteries in classic polyarteritis nodosa. The small-vessel vasculitides are separated in those with antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) and those without. The primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare disorder affecting both medium- and small-sized vessels. Major symptoms of cerebral vasculitis are stroke, headache and encephalopathy. Diagnosis is based on laboratory and imaging findings. When cerebral affection occurs in systemic vasculitis an acute inflammatory response with raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and increased values of C-reactive protein is present. In many cerebral vasculitides including PACNS, CSF studies reveal inflammatory findings. Magnetic resonance imaging, including ADC maps, diffusion and gradient echo sequences, is the investigation of choice to detect and monitor cerebral involvement. Certain MRI techniques and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography allow the visualization of vessel wall inflammation when the lumen is still unaffected on angiography. The treatment recommendations for cerebral angitis are derived from protocols for systemic vasculitides. In general, a combination of steroids and pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) is recommended for induction treatment. An alternative option is the use of the anti- CD20 antibody rituximab. Methotrexate, azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil are recommended as alternatives to CYC once remission is achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Berlit
- Department of Neurology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ghosh P, Borg FA, Dasgupta B. Current understanding and management of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2011; 6:913-28. [PMID: 20979556 DOI: 10.1586/eci.10.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are linked conditions that occur in the elderly. GCA is a vasculitis of large- and medium-sized vessels causing critical ischemia. It is a medical emergency owing to the high incidence of neuro-ophthalmic complications. PMR is an inflammatory disease characterized by abrupt-onset pain and stiffness of the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles. Both conditions are associated with a systemic inflammatory response and constitutional symptoms. The pathogeneses are unclear. The initiating step may be the recognition of an infectious agent by activated dendritic cells. The key cell type involved is CD4(+) T cells and the key cytokines are IFN-γ (implicated in granuloma formation) and IL-6 (key to the systemic response). The pathogenesis of PMR may be similar to that of GCA, however, PMR exhibits less clinical vascular involvement. The mainstay of therapy is corticosteroids, and disease-modifying therapy is indicated in relapsing disease. This article reviews recent guidelines on early recognition, investigations and management of these diseases, as well as advances in imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parasar Ghosh
- Department of Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RY, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dasgupta B, Borg FA, Hassan N, Alexander L, Barraclough K, Bourke B, Fulcher J, Hollywood J, Hutchings A, James P, Kyle V, Nott J, Power M, Samanta A. BSR and BHPR guidelines for the management of giant cell arteritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010; 49:1594-7. [PMID: 20371504 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq039a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Department of Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex SS0 0RY, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
|
41
|
Borg FA, Dasgupta B. Treatment and outcomes of large vessel arteritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2009; 23:325-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
42
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ultrasonography, MRI, and PET are increasingly studied in large-vessel vasculitis. They have broadened our knowledge on these disorders and have a place in the diagnostic approach of these patients. RECENT FINDINGS Temporal artery ultrasonography can be used to guide the surgeon to that artery segment with the clearest 'halo' sign to perform a biopsy, or in experienced hands can even replace biopsy. The distal subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries can also be examined. High-resolution MRI depicts superficial cranial and extracranial involvement patterns in giant cell arteritis (GCA). Contrast enhancement is prominent in active inflammation and decreases under successful steroid therapy. Presence of aortic complications such as aneurysm or dissection can be ruled out within the same investigation. Large thoracic vessel FDG-uptake is seen in the majority of patients with GCA, especially at the subclavian arteries and the aorta. FDG-PET cannot predict which patients are bound to relapse, and once steroids are started, interpretation is hazardous, which makes its role in follow-up uncertain. Increased thoracic aortic FDG-uptake at diagnosis of GCA may be a bad prognostic factor for later aortic dilatation. In patients with isolated polymyalgia rheumatica - who have less intense vascular FDG uptake - symptoms are caused by inflammation around the shoulders, hips, and spine. SUMMARY Ultrasonography, MRI, and PET remain promising techniques in the scientific and clinical approach of large-vessel vasculitis.
Collapse
|
43
|
RICHARD SÉBASTIEN, ANXIONNAT RENÉ, DELAUNAY CAMILLE, DUCROCQ XAVIER. Giant Cell Arteritis Revealed by Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency. J Rheumatol 2009; 36:457-9. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.080922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
44
|
Schmidt WA, Krause A, Schicke B, Kuchenbecker J, Gromnica-Ihle E. Do temporal artery duplex ultrasound findings correlate with ophthalmic complications in giant cell arteritis? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2009; 48:383-5. [PMID: 19179409 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ken515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ophthalmic complications are common in acute GCA. Do temporal artery ultrasound and clinical parameters correlate with the occurrence and severity of ophthalmic complications? METHODS The results of temporal artery ultrasound examinations are compared with the occurrence of anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION), central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), diplopia and amaurosis fugax in 222 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, active GCA. RESULTS Temporal artery ultrasound displayed vasculitic wall swelling (halo), stenoses and/or acute occlusions in 84% (58% in 67 large-vessel GCA patients and 95% in 155 patients without proximal arm vasculitis). Ophthalmic complications occurred in 64 (29%), AION in 30 (14%), CRAO in 7 (3%), BRAO in 2 (1%), amaurosis fugax in 16 (7%) and diplopia in 9 patients (4%). Ophthalmic complications were insignificantly more common if temporal artery ultrasound was positive (31 vs 17%; P = 0.11) as a greater number of patients without arm vasculitis showed eye involvement (34 vs 18%; P = 0.02). The number of pathological temporal artery segments, presence of stenoses or bilateral findings did not correlate with ophthalmic complications. Age >or= 72 yrs at diagnosis correlated with a higher incidence of ophthalmic complications. CONCLUSION Ophthalmic complications occurred less frequently if proximal arm vasculitis was present. Findings of temporal artery ultrasound did not correlate with eye complications.
Collapse
|
45
|
Berger CT, Wolbers M, Meyer P, Daikeler T, Hess C. High incidence of severe ischaemic complications in patients with giant cell arteritis irrespective of platelet count and size, and platelet inhibition. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2009; 48:258-61. [PMID: 19129348 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ken480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vision loss and ischaemic stroke are feared complications in GCA. We investigated how platelet count and size and platelet inhibition with ASA relate to ischaemic complications in patients with GCA. METHODS Charts of patients with GCA were retrospectively analysed. Jaw claudication, amaurosis fugax, blurred vision, ischaemic stroke and permanent visual loss were classified as 'ischaemic events'; ischaemic stroke and permanent visual loss were sub-grouped as 'severe ischaemic events'. The incidence of ischaemia and the association to the pre-defined covariates age, fever, ESR, platelet count and size and ASA treatment were assessed. RESULTS Eighty-five patients (mean age 73 yrs, 60% women, 78% biopsy-proven) were included in the analysis. Of the 85 patients, 62 (73%) presented with ischaemic events, 29/85 patients (34%) with severe ischaemic events. At the time of diagnosis 22/85 patients (26%) were treated with ASA. Of these 22 patients, 15 (68%) presented with ischaemic events, 7/22 patients (32%) with severe ischaemic events. In multivariate analysis, neither platelet count nor size or ASA treatment were significantly associated with ischaemic or severe ischaemic events. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of severe ischaemic events in patients with GCA was high, irrespective of platelet count and size and established ASA treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C T Berger
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Geiger J, Ness T, Uhl M, Lagreze WA, Vaith P, Langer M, Bley TA. Involvement of the ophthalmic artery in giant cell arteritis visualized by 3T MRI. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2008; 48:537-41. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kep011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
47
|
Affiliation(s)
- Frances A Borg
- Health and Human Sciences Essex University Department of Rheumatology Southend University Hospital Essex SS0 0RY
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Health and Human Sciences Essex University Department of Rheumatology Southend University Hospital Essex SS0 0RY
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Borg FA, Salter VLJ, Dasgupta B. Neuro-ophthalmic complications in giant cell arteritis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2008; 8:323-30. [PMID: 18606086 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-008-0052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a medical emergency characterized by systemic inflammation and critical ischemia. Neuro-ophthalmic complications occur early, with permanent vision loss in up to one fifth of patients. This mainly results from failure of prompt recognition and treatment. Diagnosis of GCA is often preceded by unrecognized symptoms, including constitutional upset and jaw claudication. Features predictive of permanent visual loss include jaw claudication and temporal artery abnormalities on physical examination. These patients often do not mount high inflammatory responses. Modern imaging techniques show diagnostic promise, and have led to an increased recognition of major artery involvement in GCA. However, temporal artery biopsy remains the gold standard for investigation. Intimal hyperplasia on histologic examination is associated with neuro-ophthalmic complications. The mainstay of therapy remains corticosteroids. Experience using conventional disease-modifying drugs has been mixed, and biologic therapies require further evaluation for their steroid-sparing potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances A Borg
- Department of Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RY, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|