Cardiovascular lesions in giant cell arteritis

Abstract

IntroductionGiant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis that affects large vessels. Cardiovascular complications that develop with GCA have high morbidity and can be fatal. The aim of this work was to discuss epidemiology, clinical picture, etiopathology and risk of development of cardiovascular complications in GCA.Material and MethodsA literature review was performed for 2002 to 2021 using PubMed and Medline scientific search databases. The following keywords were used to search academic journal databases: “giant cell arteritis”, “heart attack”, “cardiovascular system”, “aortic aneurysm”, “coronary heart disease”, “aortic dissection”, “myocardium” and “stroke”. Articles written in languages, other than English, were excluded.ResultsThe analysis of studies showed an increased risk of an aneurysm, aortic dissection, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular events, and peripheral artery disease in patients with GCA. This was not surprising as it has been shown that, cardiovascular complications worsens the prognosis in GCA. According to the results of observations and cited studies the most significant risk of cardiovascular complications was observed in the first year following the diagnosis of GCA.ConclusionsPatients with GCA have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but research data/findings are somewhat conflicting, and there is limited information/knowledge on how to treat the patients. Awareness of the risk of cardiovascular disease in GCA is essential, and monitoring these potentially fatal consequences is mandatory in patients with GCA. It is critical to be aware of the danger of cardiovascular illness in GCA patients and to keep track of these potentially deadly outcomes.

Giant cell arteritis from a cardiologist’s perspective: You put out a fire, but it goes with a wind

“…Pericarditis is atypical manifestation and hemodynamically significant PE is an extremely unusual finding, especially in the late course of the disease [1,2]. Despite being even more rare in GCA patients, myocarditis should also be kept in mind [1]. Although there have been few reported cases of HOCM in patients with arteritis [3,4], to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of HOCM in a patient with GCA.…”

“…GCA is the most common form of vasculitis in people older than 50 years, more frequently affecting women [1]. This type of large-vessel vasculitis increases the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases [1,2]. AA is a wellknown complication, but associated cardiac involvement is rare (<5%) [1,2].…”

“…This type of large-vessel vasculitis increases the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases [1,2]. AA is a wellknown complication, but associated cardiac involvement is rare (<5%) [1,2]. Pericarditis is atypical manifestation and hemodynamically significant PE is an extremely unusual finding, especially in the late course of the disease [1,2].…”

“…AA is a wellknown complication, but associated cardiac involvement is rare (<5%) [1,2]. Pericarditis is atypical manifestation and hemodynamically significant PE is an extremely unusual finding, especially in the late course of the disease [1,2]. Despite being even more rare in GCA patients, myocarditis should also be kept in mind [1].…”

Arterial Stiffness as a Surrogate Marker of Cardiovascular Disease and Atherosclerosis in Patients with Vasculitides: A Literature Review

“…Symptoms of GCA include headache, jaw claudication, tenderness of the temporal artery, and low-grade fever [49]. Typical complications of GCA include acute loss of vision and aortic aneurysms, which in turn can lead to more severe complications like stroke or aortic dissection [49,50]. GCA is frequently linked with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), characterized by muscle pain and bilateral morning stiffness in the proximal extremities.…”