Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2025
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Chronic abdominal aortic occlusive disease related to antiphospholipid syndrome: a rare presentation
1Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
Insights
Chronic abdominal aortic occlusive disease (CAAOD) is a rare manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Smoking and hyperhomocysteinaemia are key risk factors in aPL-positive patients with CAAOD, necessitating early diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Chronic abdominal aortic occlusive disease (CAAOD) is an infrequent complication of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are associated with arterial and venous thrombosis.
- Understanding CAAOD in aPL-positive individuals is crucial for cardiovascular health and peripheral circulation management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and radiological characteristics of CAAOD in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).
- To identify risk factors associated with CAAOD in aPL-positive patients.
- To provide insights into the management of CAAOD within the context of APS.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing aPL-positive patients with CAAOD and non-CAAOD arterial thrombotic events.
- Analysis of clinical features, radiological images, and patient outcomes from 2013 to 2021.
- Inclusion of 114 patients who experienced arterial events.
Main Results:
- Twelve patients were diagnosed with abdominal aortic stenosis or occlusion (CAAOD).
- The CAAOD group showed significantly higher rates of critical smoking habits (66.67%) and hyperhomocysteinaemia (66.67%) compared to the non-CAAOD group.
- Radiological findings revealed long-segment infrarenal aorta stenosis, sometimes involving renal and common iliac arteries, with lesions ranging from stenosis to total occlusion.
Conclusions:
- CAAOD is a rare but significant manifestation in aPL-positive patients.
- Smoking and hyperhomocysteinaemia are identified as critical risk factors for CAAOD in this population.
- Early diagnosis and comprehensive management, including interventions and anticoagulation, are emphasized for better outcomes.
Objective:
Chronic abdominal aortic occlusive disease (CAAOD) is an uncommon manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), impacting cardiovascular health and peripheral arterial circulation. We investigated CAAOD in antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL)-positive patients, aimed to offer comprehensive clinical and radiological insights.
Methods:
aPL-positive patients with arterial thrombotic events were categorised into CAAOD and non-CAAOD. Extensive data, including clinical features, radiological images and outcomes, were analysed.
Results:
This case-control study involved 114 patients who experienced arterial events from 2013 to 2021, revealing 12 patients with abdominal aortic stenosis or occlusion. The CAAOD group, predominantly young (36.67±11.83) males (75.00%), exhibited significantly higher rates of critical smoking habits (66.67% vs 25.49%, p=0.006) and hyperhomocysteinaemia (66.67% vs 31.37%, p=0.026). Radiological findings showed long-segment infrarenal aorta stenosis in CAAOD, occasionally involving renal and common iliac arteries. The lesions presented varying degrees of stenosis, including smooth lumen narrow and total vascular occlusion. Treatment modalities typically involved interventions or surgery, complementing anticoagulation therapy.
Conclusion:
The study shed light on the rare occurrence of CAAOD in APS, highlighting the roles of smoking and hyperhomocysteinaemia as notable risk factors. These findings emphasised the significance of early diagnosis and management of CAAOD.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins