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[Autoantibodies and peripheral arterial occlusive disease]
Knut Kroeger1, Ernst Kreuzfelder
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Angiologie, Universitätsklinik Essen, Essen. knut.kroeger@uni-essen.de
Herz
|February 18, 2004
Summary
Increased autoantibody concentrations are common in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) patients, particularly those with a low atherosclerotic risk profile. However, routine autoantibody testing does not predict developing vasculitis or collagen diseases in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
Context:
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) can present with early manifestations, sometimes mistaken for vasculitis in patients with atypical atherosclerotic risk factors.
- Investigating autoimmune markers is crucial for differentiating PAOD from other systemic inflammatory conditions.
Purpose:
- To assess the prevalence and diagnostic significance of autoantibodies in patients with symptomatic PAOD, especially those with a less pronounced atherosclerotic profile.
- To determine if elevated autoantibody levels correlate with the development of vasculitis or collagen diseases in PAOD patients.
Summary:
- A prospective study of 698 PAOD patients identified increased autoantibody concentrations in 35% of cases, particularly antinuclear antibodies (ANA).
- Elevated autoantibodies were associated with higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) but did not predict the onset of vasculitis or collagen diseases during a 24-month follow-up.
- No significant difference in PAOD stage or localization was observed between patients with and without elevated autoantibodies.
Impact:
- Highlights that elevated autoantibody levels are not uncommon in peripheral atherosclerosis.
- Suggests that routine autoantibody screening in PAOD patients, especially those with low atherosclerotic risk, may not improve the diagnosis or prediction of vasculitis or collagen diseases.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the utility of autoantibody testing in the diagnostic workup of PAOD.