Pulse wave velocity, carotid intima media thickness and flow-mediated dilation in Takayasu arteritis: a systematic review

Cardiovascular risk in vasculitis

The present review summarizes the burden, risk factors, biomarkers of and therapeutic consideration for cardiovascular disease in systemic vasculitis. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke are intrinsic features of Kawasaki disease, Takayasu arteritis, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), and Behcet's disease. The risk of IHD and stroke is increased in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Behcet's disease could present with venous thromboembolism. The risk of venous thromboembolism is increased in AAV, polyarteritis nodosa, and GCA. The risk of cardiovascular events is greatest at or immediately after the diagnosis of AAV or GCA, therefore, controlling vasculitis disease activity is of utmost importance. Traditional as well as disease-related risk factors drive the heightened cardiovascular risk in vasculitis. Aspirin or statins reduce the risk of IHD or stroke in GCA or the risk of IHD in Kawasaki Disease. Venous thromboembolism in Behcet's disease should be treated with immunosuppressive therapy rather than with anticoagulation.

Affected Microcirculation and Vascular Hemodynamics in Takayasu Arteritis

Introduction: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare inflammatory disease affecting aorta and its major branches. Ultrasound (US) can detect inflammatory features in the arterial wall, but less is known regarding skin microcirculation and vascular hemodynamics. The aim was to study if assessment of these variables could add valuable information regarding vascular affection in TAK.

Methods: 17 patients diagnosed with TAK and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Microcirculatory peak oxygen saturation (OxyP) in the skin after induced ischemia was evaluated with laser Doppler flowmetry/diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVR) in the brain was assessed with transcranial Doppler (TCD). Pulse waves were recorded in the radial artery by the aid of applanation tonometry, for calculation of central augmentation index (AIx75). Intima-media thickness (IMT) and stenosis/occlusions were evaluated using US in carotid and central arteries.

Results: Reduced OxyP (79 ± 8% vs. 87 ± 4%, p < 0.001) was seen in patients with TAK regardless of significant arterial stenosis/occlusion or not. Increased AIx75 (22.3 ± 13.6 vs. 9.2 ± 16.3, p = 0.01) was seen in TAK patients without significant stenosis/occlusions. No differences were found in CVR, regardless of proximal stenosis. However, signs of a more high-resistance flow profile were seen in arteria cerebri media.

Conclusion: Regardless of arterial stenosis or not, impaired microcirculation of the skin and preserved CVR in the brain were found in subjects with TAK. Signs of increased arterial stiffness in the brain and central arteries were observed. The value of these findings for prediction of future cardiovascular events needs to be clarified in further studies.