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Journal of Endovascular Therapy : An... Apr 2021Cardiovascular societies have developed recommendations regarding the management of thoracic aortic diseases. While improvements in treatment have been observed during...
Cardiovascular societies have developed recommendations regarding the management of thoracic aortic diseases. While improvements in treatment have been observed during the past decade in regard to patient selection, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and associated techniques, and high-volume centralization, the broad expansion of TEVAR has raised considerations about its indications, appropriateness, limitations, and application. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the similarities and differences among current cardiovascular societies' guidelines for the management of thoracic aortic diseases. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 2009 to May 2020. The initial search identified 990 articles. After exclusion of duplicate or inappropriate articles, the final analysis included 5 articles from cardiovascular societies published between 2010 and 2020. Selected controversial topics were analyzed, including diagnosis, imaging, spinal cord ischemia prevention, and management of the most important thoracic aortic pathologies. The analysis included data concerning the therapeutic approach in acute and chronic type B aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer, intramural hematoma, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and traumatic aortic injury, as well a discussion of inflammatory aneurysms, aortitis, and genetic syndromes. The review presents consistent and controversial recommendations, as well as "gray zone" issues that need further investigation. There was significant overlap and agreement among the 5 societies regarding the management of thoracic aortic diseases. Especially in dissection and aneurysm management, TEVAR has established its role as the treatment of choice. However, robust evidence is still needed in many aspects of the management of thoracic aortic pathologies.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Diseases; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33435805
DOI: 10.1177/1526602820987808 -
Rheumatology International Feb 2021To describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of a series of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients...
To describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of a series of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients with both GCA and IBD evaluated between 1/1/1996 and 12/30/2018 were retrospectively identified. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, radiologic features, histopathology, management and outcomes were abstracted. A systematic literature review identifying patients with IBD and GCA was performed via a Medline and EMBASE search from inception through December 31 2019. Six patients were identified with GCA and IBD (66% male). Five (83%) had ulcerative colitis (UC) and one had Crohn's disease (CD). Diagnosis of IBD preceded GCA in four patients with an average interval of 30 years (range 14-42). Average time to IBD diagnosis in those with prior GCA diagnosis was 1.5 years. During mean follow-up of 4.3 years, GCA relapse was infrequent with only one patient with relapse observed. Systematic literature review identified six additional patients with confirmed coexistence of GCA and IBD. Similar to the current series, male sex was more common and ulcerative colitis was the predominant IBD phenotype. The current study reports findings from the largest single-institution case-series of co-existent GCA and IBD. In contrast to Takayasu arteritis with co-existent IBD, which displays a predilection for female sex and Crohn's disease phenotype, both the current study and review of literature demonstrate a stronger association of GCA with male sex and ulcerative colitis. Further studies addressing a potential pathophysiologic connection between GCA and IBD are suggested.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Female; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 33095281
DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04727-w -
Rheumatology Advances in Practice 2020Patients receiving chemotherapy are prone to neutropoenic infections, presenting with non-specific symptoms such as a high fever and elevated inflammatory parameters....
OBJECTIVE
Patients receiving chemotherapy are prone to neutropoenic infections, presenting with non-specific symptoms such as a high fever and elevated inflammatory parameters. Large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) may have a similar clinical presentation and should be included in differential diagnostics. A few published case reports and adverse event reports suggest a causal association between LVV and the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and chemotherapy. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between LVV, G-CSF and chemotherapy.
METHODS
Between 2016 and 2018, we identified six patients in Finland with probable drug-induced LVV associated with G-CSF and chemotherapy. All six patients had breast cancer. A systematic literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines using comprehensive search terms for cancer, chemotherapy, G-CSF and LVV.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 18 similar published case reports, of which most were published after 2014. In all patients combined ( = 24), the time delay from the last drug administration to the LVV symptoms was on average 5 days with G-CSF (range = 1-8 days) and 9 days with chemotherapy (range = 1-21 days). Common symptoms were fever (88%), neck pain (50%) and chest pain (42%). Based on imaging, 17/24 (71%) had vascular inflammation in the thoracic aorta and supra-aortic vessels, but 5/24 (21%) reportedly had inflammation limited to the carotid area.
CONCLUSION
This review suggests that LVV may be a possible serious adverse event associated with G-CSF and chemotherapy. Successful management of drug-induced LVV requires early identification, through diagnostic imaging, and discontinuation of the drug.
PubMed: 32128475
DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkaa004 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Aug 2019Availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV has prolonged life expectancy of patients but has also increased the incidence of non-AIDS comorbid...
BACKGROUND
Availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV has prolonged life expectancy of patients but has also increased the incidence of non-AIDS comorbid conditions. Among these, there are cardiovascular diseases, and aortic involvement has been described in patients with HIV in the form of aortitis, aneurysms, or dissections. Our study aims to describe aortic pathology occurring in patients with HIV, focusing on clinical and surgical presentation, management, and outcome, through a review of cases published in literature.
METHODS
MEDLINE (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) database was reviewed for "aortitis" OR "aortic aneurysm" OR "aortic dissection" AND HIV. Research was restricted to English language. Only case reports were included. Data on patients' age, sex, traditional risk factors, timing from HIV diagnosis, pharmacological details, coinfection (syphilis, hepatitis C virus [HCV], and hepatitis B virus [HBV]), anatomical localization of lesion, presence of inflammatory involvement, rapid growing or rupture, and surgical treatment and outcomes were collected and summarized in tables.
RESULTS
Forty articles (51 cases) were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 48.8 ± 8.3 years. Male sex was preponderant (43 cases, 84.3%). Among traditional risk factors, hypertension and smoking were the most frequently reported ones (14 and 13 cases, respectively), followed by vasculopathy involving other arterial districts, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and drug addiction. In 3 cases, HIV was diagnosed in the same time as aortic pathology, whereas in most cases, aortic event occurred after five years from HIV diagnosis. In 30.5% of cases for which data on pharmacologic management were available, no treatment or poor adherence was reported. Coinfection occurred in some cases (syphilis in 6, HCV in 5, and HBV in 3). As for anatomical involvement, isolated thoracic lesions were more frequent (24, 47.1%), followed by abdominal and thoracoabdominal lesions. The etiology ranged from bacterial mycotic aneurysms to tertiary syphilis, postsurgical complications, or atherosclerosis. In 3 cases, HIV vasculitis was directly suggested, and in another 2, no other potential etiology had been diagnosed through cultural tests. Open surgical treatment was carried out in 30 cases (58.8%), and in addition, 10 endovascular (19.6%) and 2 hybrid procedures were described. Inflammatory features occurred in 7 cases, and a rapid evolution of lesions in 6. In 9 cases (17.6%), rupture occurred. Mortality was reported in 8 cases (15.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Aortic pathology may occur in patients with HIV. The entanglement of different patterns of pathological involvement of the aortic wall, secondary to immune dysregulation, infectious process, or atherosclerotic damage that may co-occur in one single case, results in a very challenging management of the condition. Because of the increased life expectancy of patients and immigration from regions with both high HIV and coinfection prevalence, the incidence of aortic pathology could increase in the upcoming years, suggesting the urgent need for further studies to optimize management in these very complex cases.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Aortic Diseases; Comorbidity; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Long-Term Survivors; Health Status; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Incidence; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 31051229
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2019.01.016 -
Rheumatology International Aug 2018Vascular involvement in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), is a well-recognized feature and large vessel commitment, especially the aorta, can be the only manifestation of...
Vascular involvement in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), is a well-recognized feature and large vessel commitment, especially the aorta, can be the only manifestation of the disease. Being a newly recognized disease, its diagnosis and workup still represents a challenge in clinical practice. A 47-year-old-man with two aortic aneurysms ruptures, one at abdominal and the other at thoracic level, was referred to our rheumatology department. The initial analysis of the surgical specimen obtained 3 years earlier revealed a nonspecific aortitis. Re-evaluation of the biopsy with immunohistology now demonstrated the presence of IgG4 deposits. Evidence-based recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of IgG4-related large-vessel involvement are lacking. In this particular case, histopathology were crucial. The authors review and discuss vascular involvement in IgG4-RD and respective treatment options.
Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Rupture; Aortitis; Biomarkers; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease; Immunologic Factors; Male; Middle Aged; Plasma Cells; Rituximab
PubMed: 29754327
DOI: 10.1007/s00296-018-4046-9 -
Autoimmunity Reviews Feb 2018Early diagnosis of Takayasu's Arteritis (TAK) and detection of disease activity may reduce the risk of vascular complications. The objective of this study was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Early diagnosis of Takayasu's Arteritis (TAK) and detection of disease activity may reduce the risk of vascular complications. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of imaging modalities for the management of TAK.
METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for studies of patients undergoing various imaging modalities for TAK diagnosis or to assess disease activity. We excluded case reports, reviews and case series with <10 patients. The methodologic quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Random effects meta-analyses with inverse-variance weighting were performed.
RESULTS
From the 1126 citations screened, 57 studies met our inclusion criteria. Many of the studies were of small sample size (average N=27), cross-sectional design and low methodological quality. Ultrasound (US) had a lower pooled sensitivity (SN) of 81% (95% CI: 69-89%) than Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) with SN=92% (95% CI: 88-95%) for TAK diagnosis (by clinical criteria and/or X-Ray angiography). Both had high specificities (SP) of >90% for TAK diagnosis. Fewer studies investigated computed tomography angiography (CTA), but SN and SP for TAK diagnosis was high (>90%). The utility of vessel wall thickening and enhancement by MRA and CTA to predict disease activity varied across studies. The pooled SN and SP of F-fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) for disease activity was 81% (95% CI: 69-89%) and 74% (95% CI: 55-86%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
US, CTA and/or MRA are effective for the diagnosis of TAK. The utility of these imaging modalities for assessing disease activity remains unclear.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Positron-Emission Tomography; Takayasu Arteritis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 29313811
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.11.021 -
Rheumatology International Nov 2017Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the ears, nose and tracheobronchial tree cartilage, but also the cardiovascular... (Review)
Review
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the ears, nose and tracheobronchial tree cartilage, but also the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular complications are the second cause of mortality in RP. We report the case of a woman with a corticosteroid-resistant RP-associated aortitis, who was successfully treated with tocilizumab (TCZ). The FDG-PET/CT was a useful tool for diagnosing aortitis and assessing the effect of biotherapy. We conducted a systematic literature review confirming this is the first case of rapid and sustained remission in a patient with corticosteroid-resistant RP-associated aortitis after TCZ treatment administered as a first-line immunotherapy. However, further studies are needed to confirm the beneficial effect of TCZ used in this life-threatening condition.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Aortitis; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Middle Aged; Polychondritis, Relapsing; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
PubMed: 28965131
DOI: 10.1007/s00296-017-3832-0 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Sep 2016Methods are required to identify abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) at increased risk of rupture. Inflammatory characteristics of AAA can be visualised using advanced... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Methods are required to identify abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) at increased risk of rupture. Inflammatory characteristics of AAA can be visualised using advanced imaging techniques and have been proposed as potential predictors of aneurysm progression. The objective of this review was to determine which inflammatory imaging biomarkers are associated with AAA growth and rupture.
METHODS
A systematic review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases of Medline (PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to January 1, 2016 for studies to determine the potential association between inflammatory imaging biomarkers and AAA growth or rupture.
RESULTS
Seven studies were included, comprising 202 AAA patients. (18)F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG PET-CT) was evaluated in six studies. Magnetic resonance imaging with ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO-MRI) was evaluated in one study. Two of six (18)F-FDG PET-CT studies reported a significant negative correlation (r=.383, p = .015) or a significant negative association (p = .04). Four of six (18)F-FDG PET-CT studies reported no significant association between (18)F-FDG uptake and AAA growth. The single study investigating USPIO-MRI demonstrated that AAA growth was three times higher in patients with focal USPIO uptake in the AAA wall compared to patients with diffuse or no USPIO uptake in the wall (0.66 vs. 0.24 vs. 0.22 cm/y, p = .020). In the single study relating (18)F-FDG uptake results to AAA rupture, the association was not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence shows contradictory associations between (18)F-FDG uptake and AAA growth. Data on the association with rupture are insufficient. Based on the currently available evidence, neither (18)F-FDG PET-CT nor USPIO-MRI can be implemented as growth or rupture prediction tools in daily practice. The heterogeneous results reflect the complex and partially unclear relationship between inflammatory processes and AAA progression.
Topics: Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Rupture; Aortitis; Aortography; Computed Tomography Angiography; Contrast Media; Dextrans; Disease Progression; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Magnetite Nanoparticles; Molecular Imaging; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiopharmaceuticals; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 27283346
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2016.05.002 -
Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in Takayasu's Arteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Apr 2016Cerebrovascular disease is one of the possible consequences of Takayasu's arteritis (TA). However, little is known about the prevalence of stroke/transient ischemic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cerebrovascular disease is one of the possible consequences of Takayasu's arteritis (TA). However, little is known about the prevalence of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) or its related clinical features among these patients. We have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the rate and risk factors of stroke/TIA in TA as well as to explore associations with poorer outcomes.
METHODS
MEDLINE and Embase were searched (October 2014) for observational studies of any design reporting prevalence rates of stroke/TIA among TA patients. Study selection, data collection, and quality assessment were done independently. Studies' results were pooled through random-effect meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I(2) test.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies (16 studies were of cohort design) were included (n = 3269). The pooled stroke/TIA prevalence rate estimate was 15.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.7%-22.6%, I(2) = 94%). Sensitivity analysis, excluding 8 studies with poorer TA diagnostic criteria, yielded a similar estimate but without statistical heterogeneity (15.7%; 95% CI: 13.6%-18.1%, I(2) = 5.5%). Data were unavailable to explore possible associations between patients' characteristics and stroke/TIA prevalence.
CONCLUSION
Our results document a high prevalence of stroke/TIA among TA patients. However, there is scarce information on the type of stroke, the characteristics of the affected individuals, and stroke-associated morbidity and mortality. Future studies should aim to further explore this disabling complication to find the best treatment and prevention strategies.
Topics: Animals; Databases, Bibliographic; Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Stroke; Takayasu Arteritis
PubMed: 26775269
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.12.005 -
The British Journal of Surgery Oct 2014Many studies have investigated the systemic and local expression of biomarkers in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The natural history of AAA varies... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Many studies have investigated the systemic and local expression of biomarkers in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The natural history of AAA varies between patients, and predictors of the presence and diameter of AAA have not been determined consistently. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of studies comparing biomarkers in patients with and without AAA, with the aim of summarizing the association of identified markers with both AAA presence and size.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Literature review identified 106 studies suitable for inclusion. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant difference between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, interleukin (IL) 6, C-reactive protein (CRP), α1-antitrypsin, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein A and high-density lipoprotein in patients with and without AAA. Although meta-analysis was not possible for MMP-2 in aortic tissue, tumour necrosis factor α, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, interferon γ, intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, systematic review suggested an increase in these biomarkers in patients with AAA. Meta-regression analysis identified a significant positive linear correlation between aortic diameter and CRP level.
CONCLUSION
A wide variety of biomarkers are dysregulated in patients with AAA, but their clinical value is yet to be established. Future research should focus on the most relevant biomarkers of AAA, and how they could be used clinically.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortitis; Biomarkers; Enzymes; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Proteins; Regression Analysis
PubMed: 25131707
DOI: 10.1002/bjs.9593