Abdominal aortic aneurysms in familial hypercholesterolemia--case reports

Non-coronary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia

Objective: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant inherited disease, affecting 1 in 200-500 individuals worldwide. FH is characterized by elevated circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations. Its association with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) (>10-fold, compared with patients without FH) is well documented. However, the association between FH and non-CHD atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk has been poorly documented.Methods: PubMed was searched for English language publications regarding the association between FH and carotid artery stenosis, stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD; lower limbs and other arterial beds), aortic valve calcification (AoVC), aortic and renal artery disease, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation and heart failure, from conception until 22 December 2019.Results: Despite the small number of available studies, as well as their characteristics (sample size, diagnostic criteria used, retrospective or cross-sectional design), there is evidence for a positive association between FH and stroke, PAD or AoVC. More data are needed for definitive conclusions regarding aortic and renal artery disease, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation and heart failure. There is paucity of data with respect to homozygous FH. Increased lipoprotein (a) concentrations, often seen in FH patients, may also contribute to this non-CHD atherosclerotic process. A key question is whether statins or other LDL-C-lowering therapies, provide an additional reduction in the risk of these less-recognized vascular and non-vascular complications in FH patients.Conclusions: Heterozygous FH is associated with increased risk for stroke, PAD and AoVC. Clinicians should take these non-CHD ASCVD aspects into consideration for optimal management of FH patients.

Difference in the risk factors for coronary, renal and other peripheral arteriosclerosis in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to clarify the risk factors of several types of arteriosclerosis lesions in Japanese individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH): renal arteriosclerosis (RAS), abdominal aortic sclerosis (AOS), iliac arteriosclerosis (IAS) and coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Coronary angiography (CAG) and abdominal aortic angiography (AAA) were performed in 117 consecutive heterozygous FH subjects (79 men, 38 women; age 22-76). RAS (stenotic lesion or aneurysm) was observed in 39 cases (33%), predominantly in the proximal portion (74%) and both sides equally (right/left = 27/23). Most cases of RAS (64%) presented with <25% stenosis. The differences in the contributing risk factors for the progression and development of RAS, AOS, IAS and CAD in FH were then analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed independent risk factors for formation of atherosclerosis in each artery were: age alone for RAS; age and plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for AOS; age, LDL-C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) for IAS; and HDL-C and diabetes mellitus for CAD.

CONCLUSION

In Japanese subjects with heterozygous FH, there are distinct risk factors for the development and progression of atherosclerosis in the renal, iliac, abdominal aorta, and coronary arteries.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV and multiple aortic aneurysms--a case report

Beside atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms can be part of the clinical spectrum of many systemic diseases, including infectious, inflammatory, genetic and, less often, congenital disorders. A 48-year-old white man presented with multiple large aneurysms of the aorta and its main branches. Medical history was unremarkable except for the presence of a softened abdominal mass since he was 28 years old. On the physical examination, an arterial murmur was heard over the left carotid artery and a palpable mass was noted in the whole right side of the abdomen. No skin or joint abnormalities were noted. Aortography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance angiography showed multiple large aneurysms of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta. Aneurysms of the innominate, left subclavian, and carotid arteries were also seen. This case resembles those previously reported, in which multiple aortic aneurysms were associated with abnormalities of the type III procollagen gene (COL3A1). Although the classic stigmas of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV were lacking, this genetic disease may be the cause of the multiple aneurysms in this patient.

Epidemiology and potential for prevention of abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common cause of death which is preventable by elective repair of an asymptomatic AAA.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed with emphasis on epidemiological studies and population-based screening surveys.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The prevalence of small AAA ranges between 3 and 8 per cent. The incidence of asymptomatic AAA seems to be increasing, although exact incidence estimates vary. The most important risk factors for AAA are male sex, age, family history and smoking. Hypertension is associated with a mildly increased risk, but diabetes is not associated with any increase. Primary prevention of AAA is not a realistic option. There is no evidence of an effective medical treatment to prevent growth of small AAAs, although trials with propranolol are under way. The only intervention to prevent death from aneurysm is elective repair of the asymptomatic lesion. Screening for asymptomatic AAA can reduce the incidence of rupture. However, further studies are needed to determine the cost effectiveness of screening compared with that of other health programmes.