The clinical features of pulmonary artery involvement in Takayasu arteritis and its relationship with ischemic heart diseases and infection

Prevalence, molecular mechanisms and diagnostic approaches to pulmonary arterial hypertension in connective tissue diseases

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and life-threatening complication in patients with systemic connective tissue diseases (CTD). This review aims to explore the prevalence, clinical implications, diagnostic strategies, and management of PAH in CTD, emphasizing the need for early detection and effective treatment. A detailed analysis of original research and review articles published between 2004 and 2024, available in English, was conducted, including both primary studies and reviews. These sources were retrieved from databases such as PUBMED, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and DOAJ. PAH is frequently associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren syndrome, vasculitis, and other CTDs. The general prevalence of PAH in CTD varies between populations, races, and methods used for evaluation. For example, the highest prevalence of SLE is observed in Asian and African Americans compared to European populations. In Caucasians, the leading cause of PAH-CTD is SSc. The PAH prevalence in SSc ranges from 6.4 (Spanish) to 13.6% (Polish National PAH Registry), in SLE from 4.2% (British population) to 2.8-23.3% in Chinese regions. In MCTD, PAH has been detected in 3.4% of the French population and 43% in Japan, while RA-PAH develops in 1.3% (Canadian data) and 31% according to British data. pSS-PAH ranges from 0.49% in French patients to 23.4% in Turkish analysis. In vasculitis, the incidence of PAH develops is several or a dozen percent, depending on the background disease. Regardless of the disease, population, or disease, the development of PAH is always associated with an increased mortality rate, which increases with each year of survival with CTD. The complexity and multifactorial PAH reflect the complicated mechanism underlying the development of this life-threatening complication. They include endothelial dysfunction caused by elevated endothelin-1 level (strong vasoconstrictor and modulator of pro-inflammatory pathways), altered nitric oxide (NO) signaling, reduced prostacyclin synthase signaling, activation of myofibroblasts, pathological angiogenesis, and excessive platelet activation, elevated levels of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines. The diagnosis of PAH in CTD patients is complex, requiring careful evaluation of cardiological symptoms, echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), and serum biomarkers. Right heart catheterization remains the gold standard for diagnosing PAH. Awareness of the high incidence of PAH in CTD and the need for systematic screening for early detection of pulmonary pathology nay contribute to earlier initiation of appropriate treatment, thereby prolonging patient survival.

Right Ventricular Function in Takayasu's Arteritis Patients With Pulmonary Artery Involvement Using MRI Feature Tracking

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) is not rare in Takayasu arteritis (TA). Persistently elevated pulmonary arterial pressure in TA-PAI patients leads to pulmonary hypertension (PH), and eventually cardiac death. Thus, the early detection of right ventricular dysfunction before the onset of PH is important.

PURPOSE

To explore the potential of right ventricular global peak longitudinal and circumferential strain (RVGLS and RVGCS, respectively) in detecting right ventricular myocardial damage in TA-PAI patients without PH.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

POPULATION

One hundred and six TA patients (39.6 ± 13.9 years), of whom 52 were non-PAI and 54 were PAI patients (36 without PH and 18 with PH), along with 58 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers (HVs) (36.7 ± 13.2 years). The involved arteries were validated by aorta magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3 T/Cine imaging sequence with a steady-state free precession readout.

ASSESSMENT

Cardiac MRI-derived parameters measured by two radiologists independently were compared among HVs, and TA patients with and without PAI. In addition, these indices were further compared among HVs, and TA-PAI patients with and without PH.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Student's t test, one-way ANOVA analysis, Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis, and reproducibility analysis. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Although the TA-PAI patients without PH had a similar RV ejection fraction (RVEF) with HV (P = 0.348), RVGLS (non-PH 20.6 ± 3.7% vs. HV 24.0 ± 3.1%) was significantly lower and RVGCS (non-PH 14.8 ± 3.9% vs. HV 13.0 ± 2.7%) higher. The TA-PAI patients with PH had significantly poorer RVGLS (PH 13.5 ± 3.8% vs. non-PH 20.6 ± 3.7%) and RVGCS (PH 10.9 ± 3.2% vs. non-PH 14.8 ± 3.9%) than those without PH.

DATA CONCLUSION

Right ventricular dysfunction was detected in the TA-PAI patients without PH. MR-feature tracking may be an effective method for detecting early cardiac damage in the TA-PAI patients without PH.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Lung Involvement in Pulmonary Vasculitis: A Radiological Review

Pulmonary vasculitis identifies a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by inflammation, damage and necrosis of the wall of pulmonary vessels. The most common approach to classify vasculitis is according to etiology, therefore dividing them into primary and secondary, with a further sub-classification of primary vasculitis based on the size of the affected vessels (large, medium, and small). Pulmonary involvement is frequently observed in patients with systemic vasculitis and radiological presentation is not pathognomonic, but may vary between diseases. The main findings using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) include small vessel wall thickening, nodular lesions, cavitary lesions, reticular opacities, ground-glass opacities (GGO), consolidations, interlobular septal thickening, tracheobronchial stenosis, and aneurysmal dilatation of pulmonary arteries, with or without pleural effusion. Radiological diagnosis alone is difficult since signs and symptoms of lung vessel involvement are often non-specific and might overlap with other conditions such as infections, connective tissue diseases and neoplasms. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the most common radiological features of lung involvement in pulmonary vasculitis so that, alongside detailed clinical history and laboratory tests, a prompt diagnosis can be performed.

Takayasu's Arteritis: A Special Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Takayasu's arteritis is a rare type of vasculitis with severe complications like stroke, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, secondary hypertension, and aneurysms. Diagnosis is achieved using clinical and angiographic criteria. Treatment is medical and surgical, but unfortunately, the outcome is limited. Case presentation: A 34-year-old Caucasian woman had an ischemic stroke (2009). She was diagnosed with Takayasu's arteritis and received treatment with methotrexate, prednisolone, and antiplatelet agents, with a mild improvement in clinical state. After 6 years (2015), she experienced an ascending aorta aneurysm, pulmonary hypertension, and mild aortic regurgitation. Surgical treatment solved both the ascending aorta aneurysm and left carotid artery stenosis (ultrasound in 2009 and computed tomography angiogram in 2014). Morphopathology revealed a typical case of Takayasu's arteritis. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF inhibitors) were prescribed with methotrexate. At 48 years old (2023), she developed coronary heart disease (angina, electrocardiogram); echocardiography revealed severe pulmonary hypertension, and angiography revealed normal coronary arteries, abdominal aorta pseudoaneurysm, and arterial-venous fistula originating in the right coronary artery with drainage in the medium pulmonary artery. The patient refused surgical/interventional treatment. She again received TNF inhibitors, methotrexate, antiplatelet agents, and statins. Conclusions: This case report presented a severe form of Takayasu's arteritis. Our patient had multiple arterial complications, as previously mentioned. She received immunosuppressive treatment, medication targeted to coronary heart disease, and surgical therapy.

Coronary artery lesions in Takayasu arteritis

Introduction

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a granulomatous inflammation of vessels of large diameter, mainly affecting the aorta and its proximal branches, which is more common in young women. The incidence of coronary artery disease in TAK is unknown and not sufficiently studied.

Material and methods

A literature review was performed for the period 2003 to 2023 using a search of the PubMed and Scopus scientific databases. We used the following key words to search the academic journal databases: "Takayasu arteritis", "coronary angiography", "myocardial revascularization", "coronary artery disease", "angina pectoris", and "myocardial infarction".

Results

The analysis of studies showed that coronary artery lesions (CAL) in TAK are not uncommon, being identified particularly in children and young individuals. Pathology of the coronary arteries increases the morbidity and mortality of TAK patients. In TAK, the ostia and proximal segments of the coronary arteries are more frequently affected, presenting as stenosis or occlusion with the development of stable coronary artery disease, unstable coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden death. The diagnosis of TAK and coronary artery pathology is often complicated due to nonspecific manifestations and frequently the absence of symptoms. The treatment of patients with TAK with CAL is challenging and requires both pharmacological therapy and interventional or surgical methods of myocardial revascularization.

Conclusions

Takayasu arteritis is a more prevalent cause of CAL development, especially in young patients, than previously believed, and cardiovascular death due to CAL is not rare. Early diagnosis of TAK with CAL, particularly occlusion or hemodynamically significant stenosis, and the prompt initiation of appropriate treatment prevent dangerous complications, reduce mortality, and improve prognosis.

Primary Systemic Vasculitides as a Cause of Group IV Pulmonary Hypertension

The primary systemic vasculitides are rare diseases characterized by vessel wall inflammation. Isolated pulmonary vasculitis, large-vessel vasculitis, and Behçet's disease are mimickers of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH); group IV pulmonary hypertension (PH) can occur as a devastating complication in the course of these diseases. Pulmonary endarterectomy, balloon angioplasty, anticoagulation and pulmonary vasodilator agents are the main treatment options for CTEPH. There is no specific recommendation for the treatment of patients having group IV PH due to primary systemic vasculitides. We reviewed herein data about group IV PH due to primary systemic vasculitides.

"Guidezilla" extension catheter combined with balloon technique for treating pulmonary artery stenosis caused by Takayasu arteritis

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare systemic vasculitis of the aorta and its primary branches, which usually occurs in young women. Due to its insidious onset and lack of specific symptoms, this disease can be easily misdiagnosed or missed. Approximately 50 ​% of the patients having TA with pulmonary artery involvement develop pulmonary hypertension (PH). The 3-year survival rate among patients with TA-related PH is lower than that among patients with TA alone. Early balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) can improve the clinical symptoms and survival of patients with stable TA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the English literature in which a "Guidezilla" catheter was used during BPA to treat stenosis and occlusion of the pulmonary artery caused by Takayasu arteritis (TA).

Irregular anatomical features can alter hemodynamics in Takayasu arteritis

Objective

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a difficult disease to deal with because there are neither reliable clinical signs, laboratory biomarkers, nor a single noninvasive imaging technique that can be used for early diagnosis and disease activity monitoring. Knowledge of aortic hemodynamics in TA is lacking. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing hemodynamics in patients with TA using image-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Methods

Eleven patients with TA were included in the present study. Patient-specific geometries were reconstructed from either clinical aortic computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography studies and coupled with physiological boundary conditions for CFD simulations. Key anatomical and hemodynamic parameters were compared with a control group consisting of 18 age- and sex-matched adults without TA who had healthy aortas.

Results

Compared with controls, patients with TA had significantly higher aortic velocities (0.9 m/s [0.7, 1.1 m/s] vs 0.6 m/s [0.5, 0.7 m/s]; P = .002), maximum time-averaged wall shear stress (14.2 Pa [9.8, 20.9 Pa] vs 8.0 Pa [6.2, 10.3 Pa]; P = .004), and maximum pressure drops between the ascending and descending aorta (36.9 mm Hg [29.0, 49.3 mm Hg] vs 28.5 mm Hg [25.8, 31.5 mm Hg]; P = .004). These significant hemodynamic alterations in patients with TA might result from abnormal anatomical features including smaller arch diameter (20.0 mm [13.8, 23.3 mm] vs 25.2 mm [23.3, 26.8 mm]; P = .003), supra-aortic branch diameters (21.9 mm [18.5, 24.6 mm] vs 25.7 mm [24.3, 28.3 mm]; P = .003) and descending aorta diameter (14.7 mm [12.2, 16.8 mm] vs 22.5 mm [19.8, 24.0 mm]; P < .001).

Conclusions

CFD analysis reveals hemodynamic changes in the aorta of patients with TA. The applicability of CFD technique coupled with standard imaging assessments in predicting disease progression of such patients will be explored in future studies. Future large cohort study with outcome correlation is also warranted.

Clinical Relevance

Based on patient-specific computational fluid dynamics simulations, the present retrospective study revealed significant difference in aortic hemodynamics between the patients with and without Takayasu arteritis (TA). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate hemodynamic conditions within TA, demonstrating the potential of computational flow modeling in capturing abnormal hemodynamic forces, such as high wall shear stress, resulted from irregular morphological changes. In the future, assessing the hemodynamic parameters within patients with TA during the prestenotic period, together with longitudinal computational fluid dynamics studies may allow better monitoring and management of TA.

Age, sex and angiographic type-related phenotypic differences in inpatients with Takayasu arteritis: A 13-year retrospective study at a national referral center in China

Backgrounds

We aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, vascular involvement, angiographic patterns, complications, and associations of these variables in a large sample of TAK patients at a national referral center in China.

Methods

The medical records of TAK patients discharged from 2008 to 2020 were retrieved from the hospital discharge database using ICD-10 codes. Demographic data, vascular lesions, Numano classifications and complications were collected and analyzed.

Results

The median age at onset was 25 years in 852 TAK patients (670 female, 182 male). Compared with the females, the male patients were more likely to have type IV and were more likely to have iliac (24.7% vs. 10.0%) and renal artery (62.7% vs. 53.9%) involvement. They also had a higher prevalence of systemic hypertension (62.1% vs. 42.4%), renal dysfunction (12.6% vs. 7.8%) and aortic aneurysm (AA) (8.2% vs. 3.6%). The childhood-onset group was more likely to have involvement of the abdominal aorta (68.4% vs. 52.1%), renal artery (69.0% vs. 51.8%) and superior mesenteric artery (41.5% vs. 28.5%), and they were more likely to have type IV, V and hypertension than the adult-onset group. After adjusting for sex and age at onset, the patients with type II were associated with an increased risk of cardiac dysfunction (II vs. I: OR = 5.42; II vs. IV: OR = 2.63) and pulmonary hypertension (II vs. I: OR = 4.78; II vs. IV: OR = 3.95) compared with those with types I and IV. Valvular abnormalities (61.0%) were observed to be most prevalent in patients with type IIa. The patients with Type III were associated with a higher risk of aortic aneurysm (23.3%) than the patients with types IV (OR = 11.00) and V (OR = 5.98). The patients with types III and IV were more commonly complicated with systemic hypertension than the patients with types I, II and V. P < 0.05 in all of the above comparisons.

Conclusion

Sex, adult/childhood presentation and Numano angiographic type were significantly associated with differences in phenotypic manifestations, especially cardiopulmonary abnormalities, systemic hypertension, renal dysfunction and aortic aneurysm.

The impact of antiphospholipid antibodies in Takayasu arteritis

BACKGROUND

The significance of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) is controversial in Takayasu arteritis (TA). This study was conducted to explore the frequency of aPL and their association with disease-related complications in TA.

METHODS

: This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the presence of anti-cardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta 2 glycoprotein- 1(aβ2G1) antibodies, and lupus anticoagulant (LA) in TA patients. TA patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine between December 2015 and September 2016 who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for TA were consecutively enrolled in the study. Patients were grouped according to aPL positivity and compared in terms of disease manifestations, type of vascular involvement at diagnosis, and vascular complications/interventions attributable to TA.

RESULTS

Fifty-three TA (49 female) patients were enrolled in the study. We detected 9 (16.9%) patients with IgM and/or IgG aβ2G1 and/or LA positivity. There were no patients with positive aCL. All aβ2G1 titers were low. There were no differences in terms of symptoms, signs, type of vascular involvement, the number of patients with disease-related complications or vascular interventions/surgery between aPL (+) and aPL(-) groups (p > 0.05 for all). The number of patients with thrombotic lesions was similar between the groups (p > 0.05). There were no patients with a history of venous thrombosis or on anticoagulant treatment in the aPL(+) group. Only 1 patient with IgM aβ2G1 (+) had a history of pregnancy loss.

DISCUSSION

Our results indicate that aPL positivity is not rare in TA. On the other hand, all aPL titers were low and no differences were found in the frequency of disease-related complications between aPL(+) and aPL(-) patient groups. Only TA patients with atypical manifestations with high suspicion of aPL-related complications should be considered to be investigated for aPL.

Predictors for pulmonary artery involvement in Takayasu arteritis and its cluster analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics and the site of pulmonary involvement in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) patients with pulmonary artery involvement (PAI).

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated data of 141 TAK patients. The clinical and image data of the patients with and without PAI were analyzed and compared. The patients were followed up. The major outcome was all-cause mortality. The minor outcome was exacerbation or new occurrence of PAI, which leads to disease progression events.

RESULTS

For the 141 TAK patients considered, PAI was detected in 65 (46.1%) patients. TAK patients with PAI had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of events than those without PAI (P < 0.001). The frequencies of the following were significantly higher in TAK with PAI than those in TAK without PAI: disease duration [median 96 months (IQR: 24-174) vs. median 42 months (IQR: 6-120); P = 0.012], hemoptysis (10.8% vs. 1.32%; P = 0.040), oppression in the chest (40.0% vs. 21.1%; P = 0.014), fever (23.1% vs. 9.21%; P = 0.024), Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (21.5% vs. 6.57%; P = 0.010), pulmonary hypertension (PAH) (21.5% vs. 2.6%; P < 0.001), pulmonary infarction (41.5% vs. 0%; P < 0.001), and hypoxemia (18.5% vs. 1.3%; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of data of TAK patients with symptom presentation showed that oppression in the chest (OR: 2.304; 95% CI: 1.024-5.183; P = 0.044) and thoracic aorta involvement (OR: 2.819; 95% CI: 1.165-6.833; P = 0.022) were associated with PAI. The cluster analysis performed for data of TAK patients with PAI revealed that the cluster characterized as the upper lobe of the right lung (Cluster1) had the worst prognosis.

CONCLUSION

In TAK, PAI is associated with thoracic aorta involvement. In TAK patients with PAI, the involvement of the upper lobe of the right lung is characterized with the worst prognosis.