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No link found between aneurysm size and dissection in patients with giant cell arteritis
Results from this study indicated aneurysm size did not predict aortic dissection or rupture in patients with giant cell arteritis and that active inflammation may be a factor in the higher frequency of active aortitis in patients with dissection.
Researchers performed a retrospective, population-based study with the Rochester Epidemiology Project and identified 33 patients diagnosed with giant cell arteritis and a total of 27 thoracic aneurysms and 19 abdominal aneurysms. Investigators collected data including aneurysm size at diagnosis, hypertension, smoking history, corticosteroid therapy for the entire giant cell arteritis course, aortic dissection or rupture, and pathology or autopsy reports.
Results showed eight patients had aortic dissection or ruptures. Investigators noted older age and a later calendar year at diagnosis of aortic aneurysm were associated with a decreased chance for dissection or rupture; however, thoracic aneurysm size did not correlate with dissection or rupture. Of the seven patients with histopathology results, investigators found active aortitis in four patients compared with none of the seven patients with aortic aneurysms but without dissection or rupture. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.