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Andel PM, Diamantopoulos AP, Myklebust G, Haugeberg G. Vasculitis distribution and clinical characteristics in giant cell arteritis: a retrospective study using the new 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1286601. [PMID: 38020143 PMCID: PMC10681091 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1286601] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis of the elderly. In recent years, advanced imaging has to a certain extent replaced temporal artery biopsy (TAB) to aid diagnosis in many institutions and helped to identify three major phenotypes of GCA, namely, cranial GCA (c-GCA), large-vessel non-cranial GCA (LV-GCA), and a combination of these two patterns called mixed-GCA, which all show different clinical patterns. Recent 2022 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria respect the changing conception and clinical practice during the last two decades. In this cohort study, we present vasculitis distribution and baseline characteristics using the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria as well as the EULAR core data set. Methods In this retrospective study from Southern Norway, we identified all patients diagnosed with GCA between 2006 and 2019 in our single-center fast-track clinic (FTC). We included all patients who were examined using ultrasound (US) of cranial as well as non-cranial large vessels at diagnosis to depict vascular distribution. EULAR core data set, ACR 1990, and 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria were used to characterize the cohort. Results Seventy-seven patients were diagnosed with GCA at our institution in the aforementioned period. Seventy-one patients (92.2%) were diagnosed with the help of US and included in the further analysis. The 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria allocated 69 patients (97.2%), while the ACR 1990 classification criteria allocated 49 patients (69.0%) in our cohort as having GCA. Mixed-GCA was the most common type in 33 patients (46.5%). Weight loss was significantly more common in patients with large-vessel non-cranial vasculitis in LV-GCA and mixed-GCA. Headache, on the other hand, was significantly more common in patients with involvement of cranial vessels. Conclusion Mixed GCA was the most common form of GCA in our cohort. In our study, the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria seem to be a more useful tool compared with the old ACR 1990 classification criteria to allocate GCA patients diagnosed and treated at our US-based FTC as having GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Andel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Surgery, Inflammation and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Department, Hospital of South East Norway, Kalnes, Norway
| | - Andreas P. Diamantopoulos
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | | | - Glenn Haugeberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Southern Norway, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Ahmad N, Andev R, Verdiyeva A, Dubey S. Single centre experience of 120 patients with non-infectious aortitis: Clinical features, treatment and complications. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103354. [PMID: 37142195 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103354] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortitis is an important form of vasculitis with significant risk of complications. Very few studies have provided detailed clinical phenotyping across the whole disease spectrum. Our primary aim was to look the clinical features, management strategies and complications associated with non-infectious aortitis. METHODS A retrospective review was performed on patients with diagnosis of noninfectious aortitis at the Oxford University hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Clinicopathologic features were recorded including demographics, presentation, aetiology, laboratory, imaging findings, histopathology, complications, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS We report the data on 120 patients (59% females). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome constituted the most common presentation (47.5%). 10.8% were diagnosed following a vascular complication (dissection or aneurysm). All patients (n = 120) had raised inflammatory markers (median ESR 70.0 mm/h and CRP 68.0 mg/L). Isolated aortitis subgroup (15%) had significantly higher likelihood of presenting with vascular complications and challenging to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms. Prednisolone (91.5%) and methotrexate (89.8%) were the most used treatment. 48.3% developed vascular complications during the disease course including ischaemic complications (25%), aortic dilatation and aneurysms (29.2%) and dissection (4.2%). Risk of dissection was higher in the isolated aortitis subgroup at 16.6% compared to all other types of aortitis at 1.96%. CONCLUSION Risk of vascular complications is high in non-infectious aortitis patients during disease course, hence early diagnosis and appropriate management is key. DMARDs such as Methotrexate appear to be effective, nonetheless there remain gaps in evidence for longer-term management of relapsing disease. Dissection risk seems much higher for patients with isolated aortitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ahmad
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - R Andev
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Rheumatology Department, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom
| | - A Verdiyeva
- Department of Rheumatology, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom
| | - S Dubey
- Consultant Rheumatologist, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7HE, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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Hino C, Edigin E, Aihie O, Eseaton P, Okpujie V, Onobraigho P, Omoike E, Hojjati M. Analysis of Emergency Department Visits by Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis: A National Population-Based Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e35121. [PMID: 36945258 PMCID: PMC10024958 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is scarcity of national level data on the reasons for Emergency Department (ED) presentation among patients with Giant cell arteritis (GCA) in the United States. This study aims to outline the most common reasons for ED presentation among these patients, and the baseline characteristics and outcomes of ED visits principally for GCA. Materials and methods We obtained data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) 2018 database. Each ED visit in the NEDS has a principal diagnosis (the main reason for the visit) and can have up to 34 other secondary diagnoses. We searched for ED visits for patients aged ≥50 with any diagnosis of GCA using ICD-10 codes. The most common principal discharge diagnoses were divided into organ systems, and specific principal discharge diagnoses were recorded for ED visits among patients with GCA in descending order of frequency. We then outlined baseline characteristics and outcomes of ED visits with a principal diagnosis of GCA. Results There were 20,886 ED visits for patients with GCA in 2018. Infections, as well as rheumatologic and cardiovascular disease were the most common reasons for ED presentation, and GCA was the most common specific principal discharge diagnosis for ED visits. There were 3888 ED visits with a principal diagnosis of GCA. These patients were predominantly elderly females, admitted, Medicare insured, with minimal comorbidity burden, and presented to metropolitan teaching hospitals in the south. Conclusion GCA patients are most likely to present to the ED due to their underlying GCA. Infections and CV are also common reasons for presentation to the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hino
- Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, USA
| | - Ehizogie Edigin
- Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, USA
| | - Osaigbokan Aihie
- Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, USA
| | - Precious Eseaton
- Internal Medicine, University of Benin College of Medicine, Benin City, NGA
| | - Victory Okpujie
- Internal Medicine, University of Benin College of Medicine, Benin city, NGA
| | | | - Eugene Omoike
- Internal Medicine, University of Benin College of Medicine, Benin City, NGA
| | - Mehrnaz Hojjati
- Rheumatology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, USA
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Yamaguchi E, Kadoba K, Watanabe R, Iwasaki T, Kitagori K, Akizuki S, Murakami K, Nakashima R, Hashimoto M, Tanaka M, Morinobu A, Yoshifuji H. Clinical profile and outcome of large-vessel giant cell arteritis in Japanese patients: A single-centre retrospective cohort study. Mod Rheumatol 2023; 33:175-181. [PMID: 35141755 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent advances in imaging revealed that giant cell arteritis (GCA) is frequently associated with large vessel involvement (LVI), but they may also contribute to earlier diagnosis and treatment of LV-GCA. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of GCA with or without LVI and evaluate its association with clinical outcomes. METHOD We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 36 patients with GCA in Kyoto University Hospital. RESULTS Eighteen patients each were assigned to the LVI(+) and LVI(-) groups. Five-year survival rates in the LVI(+) group were better than in the LVI(-) group (p = .034), while five-year relapse-free survival rates were similar between the groups (p = .75). The LVI(+) group required lower doses of glucocorticoid at month 6 (p = .036). Disease activity evaluated with the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score at disease onset was higher in the LVI(-) group (p = .014), and the Vasculitis Damage Index score examined at the last visit was higher in the LVI(-) group (p = .011). CONCLUSION GCA without LVI had more active disease, severer vascular damage, and worse survival, possibly because of ophthalmic complications and their greater glucocorticoid requirement. Our results revisit the impact of cranial manifestations on disease severity and morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriho Yamaguchi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Kadoba
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryu Watanabe
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasaki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Kitagori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuji Akizuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kosaku Murakami
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ran Nakashima
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motomu Hashimoto
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masao Tanaka
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Morinobu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Yoshifuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Bosch P, Dejaco C, Schmidt W, Schlüter K, Pregartner G, Schäfer VS. Association of ultrasound-confirmed axillary artery vasculitis and clinical outcomes in giant cell arteritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 56:152051. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Functionally Heterogenous Macrophage Subsets in the Pathogenesis of Giant Cell Arteritis: Novel Targets for Disease Monitoring and Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214958. [PMID: 34768479 PMCID: PMC8585092 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous large-vessel vasculitis that affects adults above 50 years of age. In GCA, circulating monocytes are recruited to the inflamed arteries. With cues from the vascular microenvironment, they differentiate into macrophages and play important roles in the pathogenesis of GCA via pro-inflammatory cytokine production and vascular remodeling. However, a deeper understanding of macrophage heterogeneity in GCA pathogenesis is needed to assist the development of novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapies. Here, we review the current knowledge on macrophage heterogeneity and diverse functions of macrophage subsets in the pathogenesis of GCA. We next discuss the possibility to exploit their heterogeneity as a source of novel biomarkers and as targets for nuclear imaging. Finally, we discuss novel macrophage-targeted therapies and future directions for targeting these cells in GCA.
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Venhoff N, Schmidt WA, Lamprecht P, Tony HP, App C, Sieder C, Legeler C, Jentzsch C, Thiel J. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with giant cell arteritis: study protocol for a randomized, parallel group, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial. Trials 2021; 22:543. [PMID: 34404463 PMCID: PMC8369438 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One key pathological finding in giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the presence of interferon-gamma and interleukin (IL)-17 producing T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells in affected arteries. There is anecdotal evidence of successful induction and maintenance of remission with the monoclonal anti-IL-17A antibody secukinumab. Inhibition of IL-17A could therefore represent a potential new therapeutic option for the treatment of GCA. Methods This is a randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, phase II study in which patients, treating physicians, and the associated clinical staff as well as the sponsor clinical team are blinded. It is designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of secukinumab compared to placebo in combination with an open-label prednisolone taper regimen. Patients included are naïve to biological therapy and have newly diagnosed or relapsing GCA. Fifty patients are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 300 mg secukinumab or placebo subcutaneously at baseline, weeks 1, 2 and 3, and every 4 weeks from week 4. Patients in both treatment arms receive a 26-week prednisolone taper regimen. The study consists of a maximum 6-week screening period, a 52-week treatment period (including the 26-week tapering), and an 8-week safety follow-up, with primary and secondary endpoint assessments at week 28. Patients who do not achieve remission by week 12 experience a flare after remission or cannot adhere to the prednisolone tapering will enter the escape arm and receive prednisolone at a dose determined by the investigator’s clinical judgment. The blinded treatment is continued. Two optional imaging sub-studies are included (ultrasound and contrast-media enhanced magnetic resonance angiography [MRA]) to assess vessel wall inflammation and occlusion before and after treatment. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients in sustained remission until week 28 in the secukinumab group compared to the proportion of patients in the placebo group. A Bayesian approach is applied. Discussion The trial design allows the first placebo-controlled data collection on the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with GCA. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03765788. Registration on 5 December 2018, prospective registration, EudraCT number 2018-002610-12; clinical trial protocol number CAIN457ADE11C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Venhoff
- Department Innere Medizin, Klinik für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Vaskulitiszentrum Freiburg, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Klinik für Innere Medizin, Abteilung Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie in Berlin-Buch, Lindenberger Weg 19, D-13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Lamprecht
- Universität zu Lübeck, Klinik für Rheumatologie und klinische Immunologie, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Tony
- Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinik, Rheumatology/Immunology, Oberduerrbacher Strasse 6, D-97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christine App
- Department of Immunology, Hepatology & Dermatology, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Roonstrasse 25, D-90429, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Christian Sieder
- Department of Immunology, Hepatology & Dermatology, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Roonstrasse 25, D-90429, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Legeler
- Department of Immunology, Hepatology & Dermatology, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Roonstrasse 25, D-90429, Nuremberg, Germany.
| | | | - Jens Thiel
- Department Innere Medizin, Klinik für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Vaskulitiszentrum Freiburg, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
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Ponte C, Monti S, Scirè CA, Delvino P, Khmelinskii N, Milanesi A, Teixeira V, Brandolino F, Saraiva F, Montecucco C, Fonseca JE, Schmidt WA, Luqmani RA. Ultrasound halo sign as a potential monitoring tool for patients with giant cell arteritis: a prospective analysis. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:1475-1482. [PMID: 34215646 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the sensitivity to change of ultrasound halo features and their association with disease activity and glucocorticoid (GC) treatment in patients with newly diagnosed giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS Prospective study of patients with ultrasound-confirmed GCA who underwent serial ultrasound assessments of the temporal artery (TA) and axillary artery (AX) at fixed time points. The number of segments with halo and maximum halo intima-media thickness (IMT) was recorded. Time points in which >80% of patients were assessed were considered for analysis. Halo features at disease presentation and first relapse were compared. RESULTS 49 patients were assessed at 354 visits. Halo sensitivity to change was assessed at weeks 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 and showed a significant standardised mean difference between all time points and baseline for the TA halo features but only after week 6 for the AX halo features. The number of TA segments with halo and sum and maximum TA halo IMT showed a significant correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (0.41, 0.44 and 0.48), C reactive protein (0.34, 0.39 and 0.41), Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (0.29, 0.36 and 0.35) and GC cumulative dose (-0.34, -0.37 and -0.32); no significant correlation was found for the AX halo features. Halo sign was present in 94% of first disease relapses but with a lower mean number of segments with halo and sum of halo IMT compared with disease onset (2.93±1.59 mm vs 4.85±1.51 mm, p=0.0012; 2.01±1.13 mm vs 4.49±1.95 mm, p=0.0012). CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound is a useful imaging tool to assess disease activity and response to treatment in patients with GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ponte
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisboa, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara Monti
- Rheumatology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy .,PhD in Experimental Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Scirè
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Italian Society of Rheumatology, Milano, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Delvino
- Rheumatology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nikita Khmelinskii
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisboa, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alessandra Milanesi
- Rheumatology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vítor Teixeira
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisboa, Portugal.,Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Fabio Brandolino
- Rheumatology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fernando Saraiva
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisboa, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raashid Ahmed Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Tomelleri A, Campochiaro C, Sartorelli S, Farina N, Baldissera E, Dagna L. Presenting features and outcomes of cranial-limited and large-vessel giant cell arteritis: a retrospective cohort study. Scand J Rheumatol 2021; 51:59-66. [PMID: 33913792 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2021.1889025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To compare the presenting features and outcomes of patients with cranial-limited (C-) and large-vessel (LV-) giant cell arteritis (GCA).Methods: Data from our GCA cohort were collected retrospectively. Patients who underwent total-body large-vessel imaging within 10 days after commencing steroid therapy were included. Patients with LV involvement were classified as LV-GCA. Presenting features, treatments, and outcomes of LV-GCA and C-GCA patients were compared.Results: 161 patients were included (LV-GCA, n = 100). At baseline, LV-GCA patients were younger than those with C-GCA (73.2 ± 8.9 vs 76 ± 8.8 years, p = 0.018) and had a longer delay to diagnosis (3.5 ± 4.6 vs 2.3 ± 4.9 months, p = 0.001). C-GCA patients had a higher incidence of headache (p = 0.006) and ischaemic optic neuropathy (p < 0.001), whereas LV-GCA patients had more systemic symptoms (fever, p = 0.002; fatigue, p < 0.001; weight loss, p < 0.001; night sweats, p = 0.015) and dry cough (p = 0.031). Corrected cumulative prednisone dose, relapse-free survival, relapse-rate, and incidence of ascending aortic aneurysms were not significantly different between the two subgroups. A steroid-sparing agent was added in 73% of LV- and 55.7% of C-GCA patients (p = 0.027), but was introduced more frequently at baseline in LV-GCA patients (52% vs 23.5%, p = 0.006). LV-GCA patients initially treated with glucocorticoid monotherapy relapsed sooner (relapse-free survival, HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.41-0.78, p < 0.001) and had a higher relapse rate (relapses per 10 person-years, 6.73 ± 11.50 vs 3.82 ± 10.83, p = 0.011).Conclusion: LV-GCA patients were younger at diagnosis and suffered a longer diagnostic delay. The outcomes of the two subgroups were similar. An earlier introduction of steroid-sparing agents in LV-GCA patients might have played a positive role.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - C Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - S Sartorelli
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - N Farina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - E Baldissera
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - L Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Dua AB, Husainat NM, Kalot MA, Byram K, Springer JM, James KE, Chang Lin Y, Turgunbaev M, Villa-Forte A, Abril A, Langford C, Maz M, Chung SA, Mustafa RA. Giant Cell Arteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Test Accuracy and Benefits and Harms of Common Treatments. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 3:429-441. [PMID: 33811481 PMCID: PMC8280815 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review compares treatment options for patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and evaluates the test accuracy of studies used in diagnosing and monitoring GCA. These studies were used to inform evidence-based recommendations for the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Vasculitis Foundation (VF) vasculitis management guidelines. A systematic review and search of articles in English in Ovid Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Articles were screened for suitability, and studies presenting the highest level of evidence were given preference. Three hundred ninety-nine full-text articles addressing GCA questions were reviewed to inform 27 Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions. No benefit was found with intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs) compared with high-dose oral GCs in patients with cranial ischemic symptoms (27.4% vs 12.3%; odds ratio [OR] 2.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-7.62], [very low certainty of evidence]). Weekly tocilizumab with a 26-week GC taper was superior to a 52-week GC taper in patients achieving remission (risk ratio 4.00 [95% CI 1.97-8.12], [low certainty of evidence]). Non-GC immunosuppressive therapies with GCs compared with GCs alone showed no statistically significant in relapse at 1 year (OR 0.87 [95% CI 0.73-1.04], [moderate certainty of evidence]) or serious adverse events (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.54-1.20]; [moderate certainty of evidence]). Temporal artery biopsy has a sensitivity of 61% (95% CI 38%-79%) and a specificity of 98% (95% CI 95%-99%) in patients with a clinical diagnosis of suspected GCA. This comprehensive systematic review synthesizes and evaluates the benefits and harms of different treatment options and the accuracy of commonly used tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha B Dua
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Kevin Byram
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mehrdad Maz
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
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12
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Tedeschi SK, Sobiesczyzk PS, Ford JA, DiIorio MA, Docken WP. Clinical Experience With a Multidisciplinary Model of Vascular Ultrasound for the Evaluation for Giant Cell Arteritis. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 3:147-153. [PMID: 33570829 PMCID: PMC7966877 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vascular ultrasound (VUS) is a first-line test for giant cell arteritis (GCA) in Europe but has been of limited use in the United States. We report clinical experience with a multidisciplinary model of VUS for the evaluation of GCA at a large US medical center. METHODS Patients who underwent VUS for evaluation of GCA between 2013 and 2017 were reviewed. Trained vascular technologists followed a standardized protocol to visualize bilateral temporal, carotid, subclavian, and axillary arteries. Vascular medicine physicians interpreted VUS as no arteritis, hyperechoic wall thickening, or acute arteritis. Characteristics of patients with versus without acute arteritis (no arteritis or hyperechoic wall thickening) were compared. Among patients with suspected new-onset GCA, the treating physician's pretest and posttest suspicion for GCA were compared. RESULTS Of 530 patients, 10.6% had prior-onset GCA, 31.7% had polymyalgia rheumatica, and 57.6% were taking glucocorticoids. Most patients had no arteritis on VUS (84.3%); 10.6% had acute arteritis, and 5.1% had hyperechoic wall thickening. Typical GCA symptoms, such as jaw claudication and scalp tenderness, were significantly more frequent in patients with acute arteritis. For all 42 patients with suspected new-onset GCA and acute arteritis, posttest suspicion was unchanged or increased. Of 415 patients with suspected new-onset GCA and VUS without acute arteritis, suspicion decreased (76.4%) or was unchanged (20.2%). CONCLUSION We describe a multidisciplinary model for incorporating VUS into GCA care. When pretest suspicion was low and VUS did not reveal acute arteritis, posttest suspicion typically decreased, whereas when pretest suspicion was high and VUS revealed acute arteritis, posttest suspicion was reinforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Tedeschi
- Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Piotr S Sobiesczyzk
- Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Michael A DiIorio
- Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - William P Docken
- Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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13
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Hop H, Mulder DJ, Sandovici M, Glaudemans AWJM, van Roon AM, Slart RHJA, Brouwer E. Diagnostic value of axillary artery ultrasound in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:3676-3684. [PMID: 32240306 PMCID: PMC7733725 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To compare colour duplex ultrasonography (CDU) findings with axillary 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT findings and to compare the diagnostic performance of temporal and axillary artery CDU with temporal artery CDU alone. Methods Patients suspected of GCA were retrospectively included. Presence of a halo or occlusion was considered a positive CDU finding. FDG-PET/CT-assessed axillary artery involvement was defined as axillary artery FDG uptake higher than liver uptake. The reference was the clinical diagnosis after 6 months, which was based on symptomatology and additional diagnostic tests, with the exception of CDU. Results Of the 113 included patients, GCA was diagnosed in 41. Twenty-eight out of 41 GCA patients underwent a FDG-PET/CT. FDG-PET-assessed extra-cranial GCA was present in 20/41 patients, of which 13 showed axillary involvement on FDG-PET/CT. An axillary halo was found in eight of these 13 patients. Six out of the 20 patients with FDG-PET-assessed GCA showed no axillary involvement on CDU or FDG-PET/CT. Five of them had single artery involvement on FDG-PET/CT (two aorta; three vertebral artery). One patient had an axillary occlusion on CDU, consistent with FDG-PET/CT results. Overall, sensitivity and specificity of temporal artery CDU was 52% (95% CI: 35, 67) and 93% (95% CI: 84, 97), respectively. Adding axillary artery results improved sensitivity to 71% (95% CI: 55, 84), while specificity did not change. Conclusion Presence of an axillary halo or occlusion on CDU is consistent with axillary artery FDG-PET/CT results, but a negative CDU does not rule out axillary involvement. Adding axillary artery assessment to temporal artery assessment may substantially increase the diagnostic performance of CDU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Hop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine
| | - Douwe J Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine
| | | | - Andor W J M Glaudemans
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen
| | - Arie M van Roon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine
| | - Riemer H J A Slart
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen.,Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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14
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Yip A, Jernberg ET, Bardi M, Geiger J, Lohne F, Schmidt WA, Myklebust G, Diamantopoulos AP. Magnetic resonance imaging compared to ultrasonography in giant cell arteritis: a cross-sectional study. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:247. [PMID: 33076985 PMCID: PMC7574248 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02335-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a shift in recent years to using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as first-line investigations for suspected cranial large vessel vasculitis (LVV) and is a new recommendation by the EULAR 2018 guidelines for imaging in LVV. This cross-sectional study compares the performance of US and MRI and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for detecting vasculitis in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods Patients with new-onset or already diagnosed GCA were recruited. The common temporal arteries and supra-aortic large vessels were evaluated by US and MRI/MRA. Blinded experts read the images and applied a dichotomous score (vasculitis: yes/no) in each vessel. Results Thirty-seven patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) were recruited. Two patients were excluded. Of the remaining patients, nine had new-onset disease and 26 had established disease. Mean age was 71 years, and median C-reactive protein (CRP) was 7.5 mg/L. The median time between US and MRI was 1 day. Overall, US revealed vasculitic changes more frequently than MRI (p < 0.001). US detected vascular changes in 37% of vessels compared to 21% with MRI. Among patients with chronic disease, US detected vascular changes in 23% of vessels compared to 7% with MRI in (p < 0.001). The same was true for patients with new-onset disease. US detected vasculitic changes in 22% of vessels and MRI detected disease in 6% (p = 0.0004). Compared to contrast-enhanced MRA, US was more sensitive in detecting vasculitic changes in the large arteries, including the axillary, carotid, and subclavian arteries. Conclusion US more frequently detects vasculitic changes in the large arteries compared to contrast-enhanced MRA. When evaluating the cranial vessels, US performs similarly to MRI. This data supports the recommendation that US be considered as a first-line evaluation in patients suspected to have GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Yip
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Julia Geiger
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frode Lohne
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of Southern Norway Trust Kristiansand, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Geirmund Myklebust
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southern Norway Trust Kristiansand, Kristiansand, Norway
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15
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The role of vascular ultrasound in managing giant cell arteritis in ophthalmology. Surv Ophthalmol 2019; 65:218-226. [PMID: 31775013 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis is the most common systemic vasculitis in the elderly and is a potentially life-threatening ophthalmic emergency that can result in irreversible blindness. Blindness is most commonly associated with acute onset, irreversible arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Without treatment, second eye involvement may occur, resulting in bilateral blindness. Patients with established visual loss are treated with high-dose steroids and generally undergo a temporal artery biopsy to confirm their diagnosis. A significant number of patients are, however, referred for urgent ophthalmology assessment from concerns about "incipient" arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Before visual loss, patients may experience a range of ocular symptoms related to ischemia. This generally leads to treatment with high-dose systemic steroid and an urgent request for a temporal artery biopsy. Temporal artery biopsy is considered as the standard investigation for confirmatory diagnosis. It is generally arranged as soon as possible, although it is often not carried out for several days, and there may also be delays in histopathological reporting. It is often perceived that the patient is "safe" while on corticosteroids, in that they are being treated to avoid visual loss. What is not acknowledged, however, is that, if patients do not have giant cell arteritis and are being treated "just in case," they will often require a tapering of oral steroids over several weeks, exposing them to unnecessary and significant side effects. In the rheumatology setting, vascular ultrasound has emerged as a safe and reliable alternative to temporal artery biopsy as a point of care diagnostic tool in the management of giant cell arteritis. Given an experienced sonographer and optimal equipment, a rapid diagnosis can be established in a fast-track clinic setting, taking into consideration clinical assessment, scoring, and ultrasound findings. A huge advantage of ultrasound is that it provides immediate information that can be used to inform treatment decisions. We explore the evidence that supports the incorporation of vascular ultrasound into the ophthalmology repertoire to make a more efficient diagnosis that is cost-effective and associated with better patient outcomes, including a potential reduction in loss of sight and avoidance of unnecessary long-term steroid treatment by early exclusion of mimics.
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16
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Brkic A, Terslev L, Møller Døhn U, Torp‐Pedersen S, Schmidt WA, Diamantopoulos AP. Clinical Applicability of Ultrasound in Systemic Large Vessel Vasculitides. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1780-1787. [DOI: 10.1002/art.41039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alen Brkic
- Stavanger University Hospital Stavanger Norway
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17
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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.
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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
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18
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Neß T, Schmidt W. [Eye involvement in large vesssel vasculitis (giant cell arteritis and Takayasu's arteritis)]. Ophthalmologe 2019; 116:899-914. [PMID: 31463637 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-019-00959-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis are both forms of large vessel vasculitis and can be manifested in the eye. While GCA affects patients over the age of 50 years, patients with Takayasu's arteritis are between 15 and 30 years old. The diagnosis is based on a combination of anamnesis, imaging and systemic inflammatory reactions. The diagnosis can be confirmed by biopsy. Typical eye involvement of GCA are anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and central retinal artery occlusion, while Takayasu's arteritis involves hypertensive retinopathy and Takayasu's retinopathy (capillary dilatation, microaneurysms and arteriovenous anastomoses). The treatment consists of steroids in combination with classical immunosuppressants or biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Neß
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.
| | - Wolfgang Schmidt
- Rheumatologie, Klinische Immunologie und Osteologie, Standort Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
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19
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EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice summary. Radiol Med 2019; 124:965-972. [PMID: 31254221 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Large vessel vasculitis (LVV) is the most common form of primary vasculitis comprising of giant cell arteritis (GCA), Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) and idiopathic aortitis. Early diagnosis and treatment of LVV are paramount to reduce the risk of ischemic complications such as visual loss and strokes, vascular stenosis and occlusion, and aortic aneurysm formation. Use of imaging modalities [ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)] has steadily increased to enable assessment of cranial and extracranial arteries, as well as the aorta. These imaging modalities are less invasive, more sensitive and readily available compared to temporal artery biopsy (TAB). Modern imaging methods have changed the role of TAB in diagnosing GCA and have replaced diagnostic angiography. Over the last two decades, several studies have evaluated the use of US, MRI, CT and PET in LVV. However, these various imaging tools are not yet uniformly used in routine clinical practice and controversy exists as to which imaging modality best provides meaningful assessments of disease activity and damage in LVV. In January 2018, evidence-based recommendations for the use of imaging modalities in LVV were published. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence of imaging in patients with or suspected of having LVV, and to highlight the clinical implications of the EULAR recommendations.
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20
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Delaval L, Daumas A, Samson M, Ebbo M, De Boysson H, Liozon E, Dupuy H, Puyade M, Blockmans D, Benhamou Y, Sacré K, Berezne A, Devilliers H, Pugnet G, Maurier F, Zénone T, de Moreuil C, Lifermann F, Arnaud L, Espitia O, Deroux A, Grobost V, Lazaro E, Agard C, Balageas A, Bouiller K, Durel CA, Humbert S, Rieu V, Roriz M, Souchaud-Debouverie O, Vinzio S, Nguyen Y, Régent A, Guillevin L, Terrier B. Large-vessel vasculitis diagnosed between 50 and 60 years: Case-control study based on 183 cases and 183 controls aged over 60 years. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:714-720. [PMID: 31059846 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age at onset of large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) is commonly used to distinguish giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA). However, LVV between age 50 and 60 years may be difficult to classify. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study including LVV aged between 50 and 60 years at onset (LVV50-60, cases) and compared them to LVV aged over 60 years (LVV>60, controls). LVV was defined histologically and/or morphologically. Controls fulfilled ACR 1990 criteria for GCA or presented isolated aortitis. RESULTS We included 183 LVV50-60 and 183 gender-matched LVV>60. LVV50-60 had more frequent peripheral limb manifestations (23 vs. 5%), and less frequent cephalic (73 vs. 90%) and ocular signs (17 vs. 27%) than LVV>60. Compared to LVV>60, CT angiography and PET/CT scan were more frequently abnormal in LVV50-60 (74 vs. 38%, and 90 vs. 72%, respectively), with aorta being more frequently involved (78 vs. 47%). By multivariate analysis, absence of cephalic symptoms, presence of peripheral limb ischemia and aorta involvement, and increased CRP level were significantly associated with LVV50-60 presentation compared to LVV>60. At last follow-up, compared to LVV>60, LVV50-60 received significantly more lines of treatment (2 vs. 1), more frequent biologics (12 vs. 3%), had more surgery (10 vs. 0%), and had higher prednisone dose (8.8 vs. 6.5 mg/d) at last follow-up, CONCLUSION: LVV onset between 50 and 60 years identifies a subset of patients with more frequent aorta and peripheral vascular involvement and more refractory disease compared to patients with LVV onset after 60.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Delaval
- National Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases, Hopital Cochin, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Daumas
- Department of Internal Medecine, La Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Samson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Mikael Ebbo
- Department of Internal Medecine, La Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Hubert De Boysson
- Department of Internal Medecine, Caen University Hospital, University of Caen-Basse Normandie, France
| | - Eric Liozon
- Department of Internal Medecine, Limoges University Hospital, France
| | - Henry Dupuy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haut-Lévêque Hospital, Pessac, France
| | - Mathieu Puyade
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Daniel Blockmans
- Clinical department of general internal medicine department, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ygal Benhamou
- Department of Internal Medecine, 1 rue de Germont, Rouen, France
| | - Karim Sacré
- Department of Internal Medecine, Bichat Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alice Berezne
- Department of Internal Medecine, CHR Annecy-Genevois, Annecy, France
| | - Hervé Devilliers
- Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Inserm CIC 1432, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Dijon, France
| | - Grégory Pugnet
- Department of Internal Medecine, CHU de Toulouse, UMR 1027 Inserm-Université de Toulouse, France
| | - François Maurier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Belle Isle, Metz, France
| | - Thierry Zénone
- Internal Medicine Department, Valence Hospital, Valence, France
| | - Claire de Moreuil
- Department of Internal Medecine and pneumology, CHU Brest, La Cavale Blanche Hospital, Brest Cedex, France
| | | | - Laurent Arnaud
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU Strasbourg, INSERM UMR-S1109, RESO, Strasbourg University, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Olivier Espitia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Alban Deroux
- Grenoble University Hospital, Division of Internal Medicine, Grenoble F-38043, France
| | - Vincent Grobost
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Estibaliz Lazaro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haut-Lévêque Hospital, Pessac, France
| | - Christian Agard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | | | - Kevin Bouiller
- Department of internal medicine, CHU Jean Minjoz, Besancon, France
| | | | | | - Virginie Rieu
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mélanie Roriz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | | | - Stéphane Vinzio
- Department of Internal Medicine Groupe Hospitalier Mutualiste of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Yann Nguyen
- National Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases, Hopital Cochin, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Régent
- National Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases, Hopital Cochin, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Loïc Guillevin
- National Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases, Hopital Cochin, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Terrier
- National Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases, Hopital Cochin, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
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Aschwanden M, Schegk E, Imfeld S, Staub D, Rottenburger C, Berger CT, Daikeler T. Vessel wall plasticity in large vessel giant cell arteritis: an ultrasound follow-up study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 58:792-797. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To assess changes of arterial vessel wall morphology in large vessel GCA patients (LV-GCA) by repeated US.
Methods
Patients with LV-GCA on US examination were followed up 6, 12 and 24 months after diagnosis by US of the temporal, vertebral, carotid (common, internal, external), subclavian, axillary, femoral (deep, superficial and common) and popliteal arteries. Clinical and laboratory data were assessed at each visit. Vessel wall thickening was classified as moderate, marked or arteriosclerotic.
Results
A total of 42 patients (26 female) with a median age of 75 years at diagnosis had in median 2 (range 1–3) US follow-up exams. Twenty-eight had both LV and temporal artery involvement and 14 had LV-GCA only. The common carotid, subclavian, axillary, popliteal and/or superficial femoral artery were most commonly involved. Reduction of LV wall thickening occurred in 45% of patients during follow-up, corresponding to 71 of the 284 (25%) initially ‘vasculitic’ LV segments. In contrast, a reduction of vessel wall thickening in the temporal artery was found in 85% of patients. Of the LVs, the vertebral, axillary, subclavian and deep femoral arteries were most likely to improve. There was no difference in relapses or the received cumulative steroid dose between patients with or without a reduction of vessel wall thickening (temporal artery or LV) during follow-up.
Conclusion
Regression of wall thickening within the LV is significantly less common than in the temporal artery and irrespective of clinical remission. Morphological regression does not seem to be a useful predictor for relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Aschwanden
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elke Schegk
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Imfeld
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Staub
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Christoph T Berger
- Departments of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Translational Immunology and Medical Outpatient Clinic, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Daikeler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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22
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Aging in Primary Systemic Vasculitis: Implications for Diagnosis, Clinical Manifestations, and Management. Drugs Aging 2018; 36:53-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s40266-018-0617-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Kermani TA, Dasgupta B. Current and emerging therapies in large-vessel vasculitis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:1513-1524. [PMID: 29069518 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
GCA shares many clinical features with PMR and Takayasu arteritis. The current mainstay of therapy for all three conditions is glucocorticoid therapy. Given the chronic, relapsing nature of these conditions and the morbidity associated with glucocorticoid therapy, there is a need for better treatment options to induce and sustain remission with fewer adverse effects. Conventional immunosuppressive treatments have been studied and have a modest effect. There is a keen interest in biologic therapies with studies showing the efficacy of IL-6 antagonists in PMR and GCA. Recently the first two randomized clinical trials in Takayasu arteritis have been completed. A major challenge for all of these conditions is the lack of standardized measures to assess disease activity. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the impact of biologic therapies showing potential on important clinical outcomes such as vascular damage, cost-effectiveness and quality of life. The optimal duration of treatment also needs to be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanaz A Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Department of Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital & Anglia Ruskin University, Westcliff-on-sea, UK
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24
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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.
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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
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25
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Schmidt WA. Ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:ii22-ii31. [PMID: 29982780 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
US has become an important diagnostic tool for musculoskeletal diseases. Because of its wide availability in rheumatology practice, US has also been applied in other rheumatic diseases such as GCA. In acute GCA, US displays a non-compressible, hypoechoic, most commonly concentric arterial wall thickening. Temporal and axillary arteries should be examined in patients with suspected GCA and PMR. Additionally, almost all other large arteries, with the exception of the thoracic aorta, can be easily delineated by US. Many studies and several meta-analyses have been conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of US. US is more sensitive than temporal artery biopsy (TAB) because TAB evaluates only a limited anatomical region in a systemic disease. Most US studies arrive at specificities between 90 and 100% compared with the final clinical diagnosis. Reliability for reading US images and videos is excellent and comparable to reliability for reading TAB specimens. The advantage of US over other imaging techniques in GCA is its availability, safety and tolerability and its high resolution of 0.1 mm. Rheumatology departments are increasingly establishing fast-track clinics. Physicians can refer patients with suspected GCA within 24 h. Patients receive clinical and US examination by experienced specialists, establishing a clear diagnosis either before TAB or without the need for TAB. The introduction of fast-track clinics has led to a significant reduction of permanent vision loss. Furthermore, a process that primarily includes US is significantly more cost-effective than TAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Kermani TA, Sreih AG, Cuthbertson D, Carette S, Hoffman GS, Khalidi NA, Koening CL, Langford CA, McAlear CA, Monach PA, Moreland L, Pagnoux C, Seo P, Warrington KJ, Ytterberg SR, Merkel PA. Evaluation of damage in giant cell arteritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:322-328. [PMID: 29112740 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate damage and variables associated with damage in GCA. Methods Patients with GCA enrolled in a prospective, multicentre, longitudinal study were included. Per-protocol assessments were made with the Vasculitis Damage Index and the Large-Vessel Vasculitis Index of Damage. Results The study included 204 patients: 156 women (76%), mean age at diagnosis 71.3 years (s.d. 8.3), mean follow-up of 3.5 years (s.d. 1.9). One or more damage item was present in 54% at baseline and 79% at the last follow-up on the Vasculitis Damage Index, and 60% at baseline and 82% at the last follow-up on the Large-Vessel Vasculitis Index of Damage. The most frequently observed damage items were large-artery complications (29% cohort) and ocular (22%). Among 117 patients with new damage, most new items were ocular (63 patients), cardiac/vascular (48) and musculoskeletal (34). Of these, treatment-associated items were frequently observed, including cataracts (46 patients), osteoporosis (22) and weight gain (22). Disease-associated new damage included ischaemic optic neuropathy (3 patients), limb claudication (13), arterial occlusions (10) and damage requiring vascular intervention (10). In univariate analysis, the risk of damage increased 22% for every additional year of disease duration [odds ratio (OR) 1.22 (95% CI 1.04, 1.45)]. In 94 patients enrolled within ⩽90 days of diagnosis of GCA, the risk of new damage at the last follow-up decreased 30% for each additional relapse [OR 0.70 (95% CI 0.51, 0.97)]. Conclusions Large-artery complications and ocular manifestations are the most commonly occurring items of damage in GCA. Most new damage is associated with treatment. These findings emphasize the cumulative burden of disease in GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanaz A Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Antoine G Sreih
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David Cuthbertson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Simon Carette
- Division of Rheumatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gary S Hoffman
- Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nader A Khalidi
- Division of Rheumatology, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Curry L Koening
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Carol A Langford
- Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Carol A McAlear
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Paul A Monach
- Section of Rheumatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Larry Moreland
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Philip Seo
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Steven R Ytterberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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27
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Monti S, Floris A, Ponte C, Schmidt WA, Diamantopoulos AP, Pereira C, Piper J, Luqmani R. The use of ultrasound to assess giant cell arteritis: review of the current evidence and practical guide for the rheumatologist. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:227-235. [PMID: 28460064 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Colour duplex sonography (CDS) of temporal arteries and large vessels is an emerging diagnostic tool for GCA. CDS can detect wall oedema, known as a halo, throughout the length of the vessel and shows higher sensitivity compared with biopsy. Specificity reaches 100% in case of bilateral halos. A positive compression sign has been demonstrated to be a robust marker with excellent inter-observer agreement. The assessment of other large vessels, particularly the axillary arteries, is recognized to further increase the sensitivity and to reliably represent extra-cranial involvement in other areas. Nevertheless, CDS use is still not widespread in routine clinical practice and requires skilled sonographers. Moreover, its role in the follow-up of patients still needs to be defined. The aim of this review is to provide the current evidence and technical parameters to support the rheumatologist in the CDS evaluation of patients with suspected GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Monti
- Rheumatology Department, NDORMS, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Floris
- Rheumatology Unit, University Clinic and AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Claudio Pereira
- Rheumatology Department, NDORMS, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Piper
- Rheumatology Department, NDORMS, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Raashid Luqmani
- Rheumatology Department, NDORMS, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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28
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Chrysidis S, Duftner C, Dejaco C, Schäfer VS, Ramiro S, Carrara G, Scirè CA, Hocevar A, Diamantopoulos AP, Iagnocco A, Mukhtyar C, Ponte C, Naredo E, De Miguel E, Bruyn GA, Warrington KJ, Terslev L, Milchert M, D'Agostino MA, Koster MJ, Rastalsky N, Hanova P, Macchioni P, Kermani TA, Lorenzen T, Døhn UM, Fredberg U, Hartung W, Dasgupta B, Schmidt WA. Definitions and reliability assessment of elementary ultrasound lesions in giant cell arteritis: a study from the OMERACT Large Vessel Vasculitis Ultrasound Working Group. RMD Open 2018; 4:e000598. [PMID: 29862043 PMCID: PMC5976098 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To define the elementary ultrasound (US) lesions in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and to evaluate the reliability of the assessment of US lesions according to these definitions in a web-based reliability exercise. Methods Potential definitions of normal and abnormal US findings of temporal and extracranial large arteries were retrieved by a systematic literature review. As a subsequent step, a structured Delphi exercise was conducted involving an expert panel of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) US Large Vessel Vasculitis Group to agree definitions of normal US appearance and key elementary US lesions of vasculitis of temporal and extracranial large arteries. The reliability of these definitions on normal and abnormal blood vessels was tested on 150 still images and videos in a web-based reliability exercise. Results Twenty-four experts participated in both Delphi rounds. From originally 25 statements, nine definitions were obtained for normal appearance, vasculitis and arteriosclerosis of cranial and extracranial vessels. The ‘halo’ and ‘compression’ signs were the key US lesions in GCA. The reliability of the definitions for normal temporal and axillary arteries, the ‘halo’ sign and the ‘compression’ sign was excellent with inter-rater agreements of 91–99% and mean kappa values of 0.83–0.98 for both inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities of all 25 experts. Conclusions The ‘halo’ and the ‘compression’ signs are regarded as the most important US abnormalities for GCA. The inter-rater and intra-rater agreement of the new OMERACT definitions for US lesions in GCA was excellent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Chrysidis
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southwest Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Christina Duftner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Division of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Department of Rhematology, Hospital of Bruneck, Bruneck, Italy
| | - Valentin S Schäfer
- III. Medical Clinic, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Greta Carrara
- Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society for Rheumatology (SIR), Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Scirè
- Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society for Rheumatology (SIR), Milan, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alojzija Hocevar
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Annamaria Iagnocco
- Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche - Reumatologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Chetan Mukhtyar
- Department of Rheumatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Hospital de Santa Maria - CHLN, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | - Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marcin Milchert
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Petra Hanova
- Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University of Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Tanaz A Kermani
- Department of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tove Lorenzen
- Diagnostic Centre Region Hospital Silkeborg, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Uffe Møller Døhn
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Fredberg
- Diagnostic Centre Region Hospital Silkeborg, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & Anglia Ruskin University, Southend-on-Sea, UK
| | - Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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29
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Kermani TA, Diab S, Sreih AG, Cuthbertson D, Borchin R, Carette S, Forbess L, Koening CL, McAlear CA, Monach PA, Moreland L, Pagnoux C, Seo P, Spiera RF, Warrington KJ, Ytterberg SR, Langford CA, Merkel PA, Khalidi NA. Arterial lesions in giant cell arteritis: A longitudinal study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2018; 48:707-713. [PMID: 29880442 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate large-vessel (LV) abnormalities on serial imaging in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and discern predictors of new lesions. METHODS Clinical and imaging data from patients with GCA (including subjects diagnosed by LV imaging) enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal study and/or a randomized clinical trial were included. New arterial lesions were defined as a lesion in a previously unaffected artery. RESULTS The study included 187 patients with GCA, 146 (78%) female, mean (±SD) age at diagnosis 68.5 ± 8.5 years; 39% diagnosed by LV imaging. At least one arterial lesion was present in 123 (66%) on the first study. The most frequently affected arteries were subclavian (42%), axillary (32%), and thoracic aorta (20%). In 106 patients (57%) with serial imaging, new arterial lesions were noted in 41 patients (39%), all of whom had a baseline abnormality, over a mean (±SD) follow-up of 4.39 (2.22) years. New abnormalities were observed in 33% patients by year 2; clinical features of active disease were present at only 50% of these cases. There were no differences in age, sex, temporal artery biopsy positivity, or disease activity in patients with or without new lesions. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of patients with GCA, LV abnormalities on first imaging were common. Development of new arterial lesions occurred in patients with arterial abnormalities at first imaging, often in the absence of symptoms of active disease. Arterial imaging should be considered in all patients with GCA at diagnosis and serial imaging at least in patients with baseline abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanaz A Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California Los Angeles, 2020 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 540 Santa Monica, CA 90404.
| | - Sehriban Diab
- Division of Rheumatology, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Antoine G Sreih
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David Cuthbertson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Renée Borchin
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Simon Carette
- Division of Rheumatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsy Forbess
- Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Curry L Koening
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Carol A McAlear
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Paul A Monach
- Section of Rheumatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Larry Moreland
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Philip Seo
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Robert F Spiera
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
| | | | - Steven R Ytterberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Carol A Langford
- Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology and the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nader A Khalidi
- Division of Rheumatology, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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30
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Kermani TA, Warrington KJ. Prognosis and monitoring of giant cell arteritis and associated complications. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2018; 14:379-388. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2018.1467758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanaz A. Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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31
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Lai LYH, Harris E, West RM, Mackie SL. Association between glucocorticoid therapy and incidence of diabetes mellitus in polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. RMD Open 2018. [PMID: 29531778 PMCID: PMC5845432 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are almost always treated with glucocorticoids (GCs), but long-term GC use is associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). The absolute incidence of this complication in this patient group remains unclear. Objective To quantify the absolute risk of GC-induced DM in PMR and GCA from published literature. Methods We identified literature from inception to February 2017 reporting diabetes following exposure to oral GC in patients with PMR and/or GCA without pre-existing diabetes. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to summarise the findings. Results 25 eligible publications were identified. In studies of patients with GCA, mean cumulative GC dose was almost 1.5 times higher than in studies of PMR (8.2 g vs 5.6 g), with slightly longer treatment duration and longer duration of follow-up (6.4 years vs 4.4 years). The incidence proportion (cumulative incidence) of patients who developed new-onset DM was 6% (95% CI 3% to 9%) for PMR and 13% (95% CI 9% to 17%) for GCA. Based on UK data on incidence rate of DM in the general population, the expected background incidence rate of DM over 4.4 years in patients with PMR and 6.4 years in patients with GCA (follow-up duration) would be 4.8% and 7.0%, respectively. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2=79.1%), as there were differences in study designs, patient population, geographical locations and treatment. Little information on predictors of DM was found. Conclusion Our meta-analysis produced plausible estimates of DM incidence in patients with PMR and GCA, but there is insufficient published data to allow precise quantification of DM risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Yin Hui Lai
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Emma Harris
- Centre for Applied Research in Health, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Robert M West
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sarah Louise Mackie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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32
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Duftner C, Dejaco C, Sepriano A, Falzon L, Schmidt WA, Ramiro S. Imaging in diagnosis, outcome prediction and monitoring of large vessel vasculitis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis informing the EULAR recommendations. RMD Open 2018. [PMID: 29531788 PMCID: PMC5845406 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To perform a systematic literature review on imaging techniques for diagnosis, outcome prediction and disease monitoring in large vessel vasculitis (LVV) informing the European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for imaging in LVV. Methods Systematic literature review (until 10 March 2017) of diagnostic and prognostic studies enrolling >20 patients and investigating ultrasound, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with suspected and/or established primary LVV. Meta-analyses were conducted, whenever possible, obtaining pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity by fitting random effects models. Results Forty-three studies were included (39 on giant cell arteritis (GCA), 4 on Takayasu arteritis (TAK)). Ultrasound ('halo' sign) at temporal arteries (8 studies, 605 patients) and MRI of cranial arteries (6 studies, 509 patients) yielded pooled sensitivities of 77% (95% CI 62% to 87%) and 73% (95% CI 57% to 85%), respectively, compared with a clinical diagnosis of GCA. Corresponding specificities were 96% (95% CI 85% to 99%) and 88% (95% CI 81% to 92%). Two studies (93 patients) investigating PET for GCA diagnosis reported sensitivities of 67%-77% and specificities of 66%-100% as compared with clinical diagnosis or temporal artery biopsy. In TAK, one study each evaluated the role of magnetic resonance angiography and CT angiography for diagnostic purposes revealing both a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Studies on outcome prediction and monitoring disease activity/damage were limited and mainly descriptive. Conclusions Ultrasound and MRI provide a high diagnostic value for cranial GCA. More data on the role of imaging for diagnosis of extracranial large vessel GCA and TAK, as well as for outcome prediction and monitoring in LVV are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Duftner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Division of Internal Medicine II, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Rheumatology Service, South Tyrolean Health Trust, Hospital of Bruneck, Bruneck, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alexandre Sepriano
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Louise Falzon
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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33
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Dejaco C, Ramiro S, Duftner C, Besson FL, Bley TA, Blockmans D, Brouwer E, Cimmino MA, Clark E, Dasgupta B, Diamantopoulos AP, Direskeneli H, Iagnocco A, Klink T, Neill L, Ponte C, Salvarani C, Slart RHJA, Whitlock M, Schmidt WA. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice. Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 77:636-643. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-212649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 504] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of imaging modalities in primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV) including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) standardised operating procedures were followed. A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve data on the role of imaging modalities including ultrasound, MRI, CT and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) in LVV. Based on evidence and expert opinion, the task force consisting of 20 physicians, healthcare professionals and patients from 10 EULAR countries developed recommendations, with consensus obtained through voting. The final level of agreement was voted anonymously. A total of 12 recommendations have been formulated. The task force recommends an early imaging test in patients with suspected LVV, with ultrasound and MRI being the first choices in GCA and TAK, respectively. CT or PET may be used alternatively. In case the diagnosis is still in question after clinical examination and imaging, additional investigations including temporal artery biopsy and/or additional imaging are required. In patients with a suspected flare, imaging might help to better assess disease activity. The frequency and choice of imaging modalities for long-term monitoring of structural damage remains an individual decision; close monitoring for aortic aneurysms should be conducted in patients at risk for this complication. All imaging should be performed by a trained specialist using appropriate operational procedures and settings. These are the first EULAR recommendations providing up-to-date guidance for the role of imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with (suspected) LVV.
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34
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Terslev L, Diamantopoulos AP, Døhn UM, Schmidt WA, Torp-Pedersen S. Settings and artefacts relevant for Doppler ultrasound in large vessel vasculitis. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:167. [PMID: 28728567 PMCID: PMC5520338 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1374-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is used increasingly for diagnosing large vessel vasculitis (LVV). The application of Doppler in LVV is very different from in arthritic conditions. This paper aims to explain the most important Doppler parameters, including spectral Doppler, and how the settings differ from those used in arthritic conditions and provide recommendations for optimal adjustments. This is addressed through relevant Doppler physics, focusing, for example, on the Doppler shift equation and how angle correction ensures correctly displayed blood velocity. Recommendations for optimal settings are given, focusing especially on pulse repetition frequency (PRF), gain and Doppler frequency and how they impact on detection of flow. Doppler artefacts are inherent and may be affected by the adjustment of settings. The most important artefacts to be aware of, and to be able to eliminate or minimize, are random noise and blooming, aliasing and motion artefacts. Random noise and blooming artefacts can be eliminated by lowering the Doppler gain. Aliasing and motion artefacts occur when the PRF is set too low, and correct adjustment of the PRF is crucial. Some artefacts, like mirror and reverberation artefacts, cannot be eliminated and should therefore be recognised when they occur. The commonly encountered artefacts, their importance for image interpretation and how to adjust Doppler setting in order to eliminate or minimize them are explained thoroughly with imaging examples in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Terslev
- Center for Rheumatology and Spinal Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - A P Diamantopoulos
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southern Norway Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - U Møller Døhn
- Center for Rheumatology and Spinal Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - W A Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology, Immanuel Krankenhaus, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Torp-Pedersen
- Department Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital. Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mohammad AJ, Englund M, Turesson C, Tomasson G, Merkel PA. Rate of Comorbidities in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Population-based Study. J Rheumatol 2016; 44:84-90. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.160249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective.To compare the rate of occurrence of comorbidities, including severe infections, in a population-based cohort of patients with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) with a reference population in Southern Sweden.Methods.The study included a population-based cohort of biopsy-proven GCA cases diagnosed between 1998 and 2010 from the Skåne region in Southern Sweden (population: 1.2 million). For each patient, 4 reference subjects were identified from the general population and matched for age, sex, area of residence, and date of diagnosis of GCA. Using the Skåne Healthcare Register, comorbidities and severe infections (requiring hospitalization) diagnosed after GCA onset were identified. The rate of the first occurrence of each comorbidity was the result of dividing the number of subjects with a given comorbidity by the person-years of followup. The rate ratio (RR; GCA:reference population) was also calculated.Results.There were 768 patients (571 women) with GCA and 3066 reference persons included in the study. The RR were significantly elevated for osteoporosis (2.81, 95% CI 2.33–3.37), followed by venous thromboembolic diseases (2.36, 95% CI 1.61–3.40), severe infections (1.85, 95% CI 1.57–2.18), thyroid diseases (1.55, 95% CI 1.25–1.91), cerebrovascular accidents (1.40, 95% CI 1.12–1.74), and diabetes mellitus (1.29, 95% CI 1.05–1.56). The RR for ischemic heart disease was elevated, but did not reach statistical significance (1.20, 95% CI 1.00–1.44).Conclusion.Patients with GCA have higher rates of selected comorbidities, including severe infections, compared with a reference population. Several of these comorbidities may be related to treatment with glucocorticosteroids, emphasizing the unmet need to find alternative treatments for GCA.
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Abstract
Much progress has been made in the use of imaging as a diagnostic tool in giant cell arteritis (GCA), which assists in the management of patients where the initial diagnosis is unclear. This includes patients with atypical cranial symptoms, or with predominantly systemic, constitutional or limb symptoms. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are capable of visualising both the cranial and extracranial large vessel circulation, with vessel wall thickening and stenotic lesions being visualised. Computed tomographic angiography is helpful in visualising the aorta for aneurysm complicating GCA but can also detect vessel wall thickening in established large vessel vasculitis. PET-CT is a very sensitive test for early vascular inflammation in extracranial large vessel vasculitis, before aneurysmal or stenotic lesions have developed, of use in the patient with unexplained constitutional symptoms. The place of imaging in the follow-up of GCA is being investigated, and repeated imaging may be useful in select cases. Generally, vascular abnormalities become less defined once glucocorticoid treatment has been started, and therefore, imaging studies must be conducted early as part of a GCA fast-track assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Khan
- Department of Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RY, UK
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Kermani TA, Crowson CS, Muratore F, Schmidt J, Matteson EL, Warrington KJ. Extra-cranial giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis: How similar are they? Semin Arthritis Rheum 2015; 44:724-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
Large vessel vasculitis (LVV) covers a spectrum of primary vasculitides predominantly affecting the aorta and its major branches. The two main subtypes are giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA). Less commonly LVV occurs in various other diseases. Clinical manifestations result from vascular stenosis, occlusion, and dilation, sometimes complicated by aneurysm rupture or dissection. Occasionally LVV is discovered unexpectedly on pathological examination of a resected aortic aneurysm. Clinical evaluation is often unreliable in determining disease activity. Moreover, the diagnostic tools are imperfect. Acute phase reactants can be normal at presentation and available imaging modalities are more reliable in delineating vascular anatomy than in providing reliable information on degree of vascular inflammation. Glucocorticoids are the mainstay of therapy of LVV. Patients may develop predictable adverse effects from long-term glucocorticoid use. Several steroid-sparing agents have also shown some promise and are currently in use. Endovascular revascularization procedures and open surgical treatment for aneurysms and dissections are sometimes necessary, but results are not always favorable and relapses are common. This article, the first in a series of two, will be devoted to GCA and isolated (idiopathic) aortitis, while TA will be covered in detail in the next article.
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Muratore F, Kermani TA, Crowson CS, Green AB, Salvarani C, Matteson EL, Warrington KJ. Large-vessel giant cell arteritis: a cohort study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2014; 54:463-70. [PMID: 25193809 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keu329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare baseline variables, treatment and outcomes in patients with large-vessel GCA (LV-GCA), primarily of the upper extremities, with those with cranial disease (C-GCA). METHODS All patients >50 years of age with radiographic evidence of subclavian LV-GCA diagnosed between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2008 were identified and compared with those with biopsy-positive C-GCA diagnosed in the same period. RESULTS The study included 120 LV-GCA patients and 212 C-GCA patients. Compared with C-GCA, patients with LV-GCA were younger [68.2 years (s.d. 7.5) vs 75.7 (7.4), P < 0.001] and had longer duration of symptoms at GCA diagnosis (median 3.5 vs 2.2 months, P < 0.001). A history of PMR was more common in LV-GCA patients (26% vs 15%, P = 0.012), but a smaller proportion had cranial symptoms (41% vs 83%, P < 0.001) and vision loss (4% vs 11%, P = 0.035). ACR classification criteria for GCA were satisfied in 39% of LV-GCA patients and 95% of C-GCA patients (P < 0.001). Compared with C-GCA, patients with LV-GCA had more relapses (4.9 vs 3.0/10 person-years, P < 0.001), higher cumulative corticosteroid (CS) doses at 1 year [11.4 g (s.d. 5.9) vs 9.1 (s.d. 3.7), P < 0.001] and required longer treatment (median 4.5 vs 2.2 years, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Although patients with LV-GCA had a lower rate of vision loss, they had a higher relapse rate and greater CS requirements. The ACR criteria for GCA are inadequate for the classification of patients with LV-GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Muratore
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tanaz A Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Cynthia S Crowson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Abigail B Green
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Eric L Matteson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kenneth J Warrington
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Ammirati E, Moroni F, Pedrotti P, Scotti I, Magnoni M, Bozzolo EP, Rimoldi OE, Camici PG. Non-invasive imaging of vascular inflammation. Front Immunol 2014; 5:399. [PMID: 25183963 PMCID: PMC4135304 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In large-vessel vasculitides, inflammatory infiltrates may cause thickening of the involved arterial vessel wall leading to progressive stenosis and occlusion. Dilatation, aneurysm formation, and thrombosis may also ensue. Activated macrophages and T lymphocytes are fundamental elements in vascular inflammation. The amount and density of the inflammatory infiltrate is directly linked to local disease activity. Additionally, patients with autoimmune disorders have an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk compared with age-matched healthy individuals as a consequence of accelerated atherosclerosis. Molecular imaging techniques targeting activated macrophages, neovascularization, or increased cellular metabolic activity can represent effective means of non-invasive detection of vascular inflammation. In the present review, novel non-invasive imaging tools that have been successfully tested in humans will be presented. These include contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, which allows detection of neovessels within the wall of inflamed arteries; contrast-enhanced CV magnetic resonance that can detect increased thickness of the arterial wall, usually associated with edema, or mural enhancement using T2 and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences, respectively; and positron emission tomography associated with radio-tracers such as [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose and the new [11C]-PK11195 in combination with computed tomography angiography to detect activated macrophages within the vessel wall. Imaging techniques are useful in the diagnostic work-up of large- and medium-vessel vasculitides, to monitor disease activity and the response to treatments. Finally, molecular imaging targets can provide new clues about the pathogenesis and evolution of immune-mediated disorders involving arterial vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Ammirati
- Cardiothoracic Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University , Milan , Italy ; Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, AO Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda , Milan , Italy
| | - Francesco Moroni
- Cardiothoracic Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University , Milan , Italy
| | - Patrizia Pedrotti
- Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, AO Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda , Milan , Italy
| | - Isabella Scotti
- Cardiothoracic Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University , Milan , Italy
| | - Marco Magnoni
- Cardiothoracic Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University , Milan , Italy
| | - Enrica P Bozzolo
- Unit of Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University , Milan , Italy
| | - Ornella E Rimoldi
- Cardiothoracic Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University , Milan , Italy ; CNR Istituto di Bioimmagini e Fisiologia Molecolare , Segrate, Milan , Italy
| | - Paolo G Camici
- Cardiothoracic Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University , Milan , Italy
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Schmidt WA. Role of ultrasound in the understanding and management of vasculitis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2014; 6:39-47. [PMID: 24688604 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x13512256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculitis is characterized by a circumferential vessel-wall thickening ('halo'), which can be visualized by modern imaging techniques. In particular, the resolution of ultrasound has increased to 0.1 mm. Ultrasound detects abnormalities that are pathognomonic even in arteries with a diameter below 1 mm. It is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of large-vessel vasculitides, such as classic temporal arteritis, large-vessel giant-cell arteritis (GCA), Takayasu arteritis and idiopathic aortitis. Echocardiography is important for determining cardiac involvement in Takayasu arteritis and also for examining the coronary arteries of children with suspected Kawasaki disease, which is a medium-vessel vasculitis. In small vessel vasculitides ultrasound has only a role for determining the distribution or organ involvement. Fast-track clinics for the diagnosis of GCA help to initiate treatment before complications such as blindness occur; patients receive appointments within 24 h in these clinics. Clinical examination and ultrasound of temporal and axillary arteries are performed by an experienced rheumatologist. In most cases this is able to determine if GCA is present. Temporal artery biopsy can be still carried out in ambivalent cases. The wall swelling of temporal arteries disappears after 2-3 weeks of glucocorticoid treatment. After 3 days of treatment, diagnosis becomes more difficult with ultrasound in some cases. In larger arteries, such as the axillary arteries, wall thickening disappears within months. It tends to be darker (more hypoechoic) in acute disease because of oedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Lindenberger Weg 19, 13125 Berlin, Germany
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Flammer J, Konieczka K, Flammer AJ. The primary vascular dysregulation syndrome: implications for eye diseases. EPMA J 2013; 4:14. [PMID: 23742177 PMCID: PMC3693953 DOI: 10.1186/1878-5085-4-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular dysregulation refers to the regulation of blood flow that is not adapted to the needs of the respective tissue. We distinguish primary vascular dysregulation (PVD, formerly called vasospastic syndrome) and secondary vascular dysregulation (SVD). Subjects with PVD tend to have cold extremities, low blood pressure, reduced feeling of thirst, altered drug sensitivity, increased pain sensitivity, prolonged sleep onset time, altered gene expression in the lymphocytes, signs of oxidative stress, slightly increased endothelin-1 plasma level, low body mass index and often diffuse and fluctuating visual field defects. Coldness, emotional or mechanical stress and starving can provoke symptoms. Virtually all organs, particularly the eye, can be involved. In subjects with PVD, retinal vessels are stiffer and more irregular, and both neurovascular coupling and autoregulation capacity are reduced while retinal venous pressure is often increased. Subjects with PVD have increased risk for normal-tension glaucoma, optic nerve compartment syndrome, central serous choroidopathy, Susac syndrome, retinal artery and vein occlusions and anterior ischaemic neuropathy without atherosclerosis. Further characteristics are their weaker blood–brain and blood-retinal barriers and the higher prevalence of optic disc haemorrhages and activated astrocytes. Subjects with PVD tend to suffer more often from tinnitus, muscle cramps, migraine with aura and silent myocardial ischaemic and are at greater risk for altitude sickness. While the main cause of vascular dysregulation is vascular endotheliopathy, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is also involved. In contrast, SVD occurs in the context of other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, retrobulbar neuritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and giant cell arteritis. Taking into consideration the high prevalence of PVD in the population and potentially linked pathologies, in the current article, the authors provide recommendations on how to effectively promote the field in order to create innovative diagnostic tools to predict the pathology and develop more efficient treatment approaches tailored to the person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Flammer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Mittlere Strasse 91, Basel CH-4031, Switzerland.
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Schmidt WA. Imaging in vasculitis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2013; 27:107-18. [PMID: 23507061 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2012] [Revised: 12/09/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vasculitides may involve small, medium-sized or large arteries. In small-vessel vasculitides imaging studies of lungs, nasal sinuses, cerebrum, heart and other organs are important for determining disease extension and disease activity. Aneurysms are a hallmark of medium-sized artery vasculitides. In large-vessel vasculitis, imaging studies depict homogeneous, circumferential wall swelling and smoothly tapered luminal narrowing. Ultrasound and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show characteristic wall abnormalities in temporal and occipital arteries whereas ultrasound, MRI, MR angiography, computed tomography (CT), CT angiography and positron emission tomography delineate characteristic features in extra-cranial arteries that are affected in large-vessel giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis and idiopathic aortitis. Conventional angiography has still its place for therapeutic interventions. Imaging has led to a better understanding of the nature and distribution of vasculitides. It significantly facilitates diagnosis of patients with suspected vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Schmidt
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Lindenberger Weg 19, 13125 Berlin, Germany.
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Blockmans D. Diagnosis and extension of giant cell arteritis. Contribution of imaging techniques. Presse Med 2012; 41:948-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2012.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Agard C, Espitia O, Néel A. Pronostic de l’artérite à cellules géantes (maladie de Horton). Presse Med 2012; 41:966-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Czihal M, Piller A, Schroettle A, Kuhlencordt PJ, Schulze-Koops H, Hoffmann U. Outcome of giant cell arteritis of the arm arteries managed with medical treatment alone: cross-sectional follow-up study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2012; 52:282-6. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kes239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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47
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ESPITIA OLIVIER, NÉEL ANTOINE, LEUX CHRISTOPHE, CONNAULT JÉROME, ESPITIA-THIBAULT ALEXANDRA, PONGE THIERRY, DUPAS BENOIT, BARRIER JACQUESH, HAMIDOU MOHAMEDA, AGARD CHRISTIAN. Giant Cell Arteritis with or without Aortitis at Diagnosis. A Retrospective Study of 22 Patients with Longterm Followup. J Rheumatol 2012; 39:2157-62. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.120511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Studies have shown that aortitis may be present in half the patients with recent-onset giant cell arteritis (GCA). We assessed whether aortitis at diagnosis affects longterm outcome in patients with GCA.Methods.We retrospectively analyzed the longterm outcome of a prospective cohort of 22 patients with biopsy-proven GCA who all had aortic computed tomography (CT) evaluation at the time of diagnosis of GCA between May 1998 and November 1999. Longterm outcome, especially vascular events such as aortic aneurysm, mortality, relapses of GCA, and requirement for steroids, was assessed in 2011 by chart review and patient/physician interviews.Results.At disease onset, 10/22 patients had aortitis on CT scan. Patients with and without aortitis had similar baseline characteristics, including cardiovascular risk profile. At the time of the study, 12/22 (57%) patients had died. Vascular causes of death were more frequent in patients with aortitis (5/7 vs 0/5; p = 0.02). A higher number of vascular events was noted in patients with aortitis (mean events per patient 1.33 vs 0.25; p = 0.009). Stroke was more frequent in patients with aortitis. These patients seemed to exhibit a more chronic or relapsing disease course, and they were less likely to completely discontinue steroid therapy (p = 0.009, log-rank test).Conclusion.Our study suggests for the first time that inflammatory aortic involvement present at onset of GCA could predict a more chronic/relapsing course of GCA, with higher steroid requirements and an increased risk for vascular events in the long term.
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Tyndall A. Is the halo always holy? Glucocorticoid impact on detecting cranial large-vessel arteritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2012; 51:1927-8. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kes203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Hauenstein C, Reinhard M, Geiger J, Markl M, Hetzel A, Treszl A, Vaith P, Bley TA. Effects of early corticosteroid treatment on magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography findings in giant cell arteritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2012; 51:1999-2003. [PMID: 22772317 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kes153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the impact of initial corticosteroid treatment on high-resolution MRI and colour-coded duplex sonography (CCDS) findings in patients with GCA (temporal). METHODS Sensitivity and specificity of CCDS and high-resolution contrast-enhanced MRI studies of 59 patients with suspected GCA were retrospectively analysed. Patients were grouped according to the duration of steroid treatment before imaging: 0-1 day, 2-4 days and >4 days. In 41 patients, imaging results were compared with findings of temporal artery biopsy (TAB). RESULTS Sixty-one per cent (36/59) of patients were diagnosed with GCA. TAB findings were positive in 59% (24/41). The compared results of TAB sensitivity of CCDS and MRI under steroid treatment of 0-1 day were 92% and 90%, 2-4 days 80% and 78% and >4 days 50% and 80%, respectively. The compared results of the final clinical diagnosis sensitivity of CCDS and MRI under steroid treatment of 0-1 day was 88% and 85%, 2-4 days 50% and 64% and >4 days 50% and 56%, respectively. CONCLUSION Sensitivity of a first-time CCDS or an MRI for detection of GCA rapidly decreases under corticosteroid treatment. Therefore imaging of patients with suspected GCA should be performed as soon as possible, preferably within the first days of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Hauenstein
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Ultrasonographic resolution of the vessel wall oedema with modest clinical improvement in a large-vessel vasculitis patient treated with tocilizumab. Clin Rheumatol 2012; 31:1263-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-012-2007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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