Prognosis of large vessel involvement in large vessel vasculitis

Abstract

Objectives: To assess prognosis factors and outcome of large vessel involvement (LVI) in large vessels vasculitis (LVV) patients.

Methods: Retrospective multicenter study of characteristics and outcomes of 417 patients with LVI including 299 Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and 118 Giant cell arteritis (GCA-LVI) were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis assessed prognosis factors in LVV patients. Outcome of LVI among TAK and GCA-LVI patients (ischemic complications, aneurysms complications, relapses and revascularization) were assessed.

Results: In multivariable analysis, stroke/transient ischemic attack [HR: 3.63 (1.46-9.04), p = 0.006] was independently associated with vascular complications in LVV. The 10-years aneurysm free survival was significantly lower [67% (48-93) vs 89% (84-95), p = 0.02] in GCA-LVI compare to TAK patients. The 5-years relapse free survival was significantly lower [47% (37-60) vs 69% (63-75), p < 0.001,] in GCA-LVI compare to TAK patients. The 10-years revascularization free survival was significantly lower [55% (48-64) vs 76% (59-99), p < 0.001] in TAK compare to GCA-LVI patients. After a median follow-up of 5 years, 16 (5.4%) TAK and 7 (5.9%) GCA-LVI patients died, mainly of aneurysm (26%) and ischemic complications (26%).

Conclusion: This large nationwide cohort of LVI provided prognosis factors of vascular complications in LVV patients. TAK and GCA-LVI have different long-term outcome in term of aneurysm development, relapse and revascularization.

Keywords: Giant cell arteritis; Outcome; Prognosis; Takayasu arteritis; Vasculitis.