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. 2021 Jun 18;16(6):e0250025.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250025. eCollection 2021.

Takayasu arteritis: Prevalence and clinical presentation in Switzerland

Andrea D Gloor  1 , Laurève Chollet  1 , Lisa A Christ  1 , Jennifer L Cullmann  2 , Harald M Bonel  2 , Peter M Villiger  1
Affiliations

Takayasu arteritis: Prevalence and clinical presentation in Switzerland

Andrea D Gloor et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Objective: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare immune-mediated vasculitis of the aorta and its branches. Aims were to calculate prevalence and incidence in Switzerland, to assess disease activity and performance of MR-Angiography (MRA).

Methods: 31 patients were recorded in a database, 27 were followed prospectively up to 3 years. Prevalence was calculated based on data of the national statistical bureau. Disease activity was defined using the revised EULAR criteria. MRA depicted stenotic changes and aortic wall enhancement.

Results: A disease prevalence of 14.5/1.000.000 inhabitants and an incidence of 0.3/1.000.000 per year was calculated. Aortic wall enhancement was found in 10 patients while in clinical and serological remission. EULAR criteria missed 5 patients with disease activity with isolated elevations of ESR/CRP. Arterial stenosis did not change over time in 5 cases, it improved in 2 and increased in 7. At follow-up 16 patients were treated with tocilizumab, 11/16 in monotherapy, 5 patients were treatment-free, 25/27 stayed in remission.

Conclusion: In addition to prevalence and incidence, our data show that MRA qualifies to detect subclinical disease activity, but, on the other hand, that EULAR criteria may miss disease activity in case of isolated elevation of ESR/CRP.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. TAK patients in Switzerland.
Displayed are Swiss cantons and their populations per km2. The number of patients (in black) are displayed per canton.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Disease activity and medication.
Disease activity (A) and medication of each patient over time (years) (B). 27/31 patients were followed prospectively up to 3 years. DMARDs: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Vessel involvement.
Pattern of vessel involvement of 31 TAK patients as determined by imaging and/or clinical findings.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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