Back to Search Start Over

The Thromboembolic Risk in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Critical Review of the Literature

The Thromboembolic Risk in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Critical Review of the Literature

Authors :
A. Guida
A. Tufano
P. Perna
P. Moscato
M. T. De Donato
R. Finelli
D. Caputo
M. N. D. Di Minno
Source :
International Journal of Rheumatology, Vol 2014 (2014)
Publication Year :
2014
Publisher :
Hindawi Limited, 2014.

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis is a systemic vasculitis characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the aorta and its main vessels. Cardiovascular risk, both for arterial and venous thromboembolism, is increased in these patients, but the role of thromboprophylaxis is still debated. It should be suspected in elderly patients suffering from sudden onset severe headaches, jaw claudication, and visual disease. Early diagnosis is necessary because prognosis depends on the timeliness of treatment: this kind of arteritis can be complicated by vision loss and cerebrovascular strokes. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of the pharmacological treatment of GCA. Aspirin seems to be effective in cardiovascular prevention, while the use of anticoagulant therapy is controversial. Association with other rheumatological disease, particularly with polymyalgia rheumatica is well known, while possible association with antiphospholipid syndrome is not established. Large future trials may provide information about the optimal therapy. Other approaches with new drugs, such as TNF-alpha blockades, Il-6 and IL-1 blockade agents, need to be tested in larger trials.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16879260 and 16879279
Volume :
2014
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Rheumatology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.375c761f27ff47119718c375e212d43e
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/806402