Clinical Features of Aortitis with Gastrointestinal Involvement.

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Aortitis, inflammation of the aorta, is rare but can involve specific types like Takayasu arteritis, Behcet's disease, giant cell arteritis, and infectious aortitis.
• Diagnosis of aortitis is challenging due to atypical and nonspecific clinical features.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations, including mesenteric involvement and intestinal infarction, are common in patients with aortitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, GI manifestations, and management of aortitis affecting the GI tract.
• To consolidate current literature on major forms of aortitis with GI involvement.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on aortitis and its GI manifestations.
• Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical presentations, and treatment approaches for relevant aortitis types.

Main Results:

• Takayasu arteritis, Behcet's disease, giant cell arteritis, and infectious aortitis are primary causes of aortic vasculitis.
• GI symptoms are significant indicators, often linked to mesenteric ischemia and hepatitis.
• Management strategies vary based on the specific type of aortitis and disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Aortitis requires a high index of suspicion, especially with GI symptoms.
• Understanding the distinct epidemiological and clinical profiles of these vasculitides is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management.
• Further research into optimizing treatment for GI complications in aortitis is warranted.