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Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Aortic and coronary calcifications in Takayasu arteritis
Emire Seyahi1, Ayca Ucgul, Deniz Cebi Olgun
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey. eseyahi@yahoo.com
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|January 29, 2013
Summary
Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and SLE show increased atherosclerosis. Arterial calcification in TAK, particularly in the thoracic aorta, suggests local inflammation, while coronary calcification may indicate systemic effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is common in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), often localized to inflamed arterial segments.
- Arterial wall calcification patterns may differentiate systemic from local inflammation in TAK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate arterial wall calcification in TAK patients compared to SLE patients and healthy controls.
- To determine if coronary artery calcification reflects systemic inflammation and thoracic aorta calcification reflects local inflammation in TAK.
Main Methods:
- Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) assessed coronary artery and thoracic aorta calcifications (ToAC) in 47 TAK, 43 SLE, and 70 healthy controls.
- B-mode ultrasound screened for atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries.
Main Results:
- Coronary artery calcification was increased in SLE but not significantly in TAK compared to controls.
- TAK patients showed significantly more ToAC (45%) than SLE patients (23%).
- Circumferential calcification was common in TAK (67%), unlike SLE and controls. Atherosclerotic plaques and calcifications in TAK often occurred at sites of vasculitis.
Conclusions:
- Both TAK and SLE exhibit increased atherosclerosis.
- Vessel wall inflammation plays a significant role in TAK-associated atherosclerosis.
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