The efficacy of tocilizumab on the treatment of Chinese Takayasu's arteritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in Chinese patients with Takayasu's arteritis (TA).Methods We retrospectively studied the active TA patients treated with TCZ from January 2014 to April 2016 in our hospital.The demographic and clinical data,laboratory tests and vascular images were collected.Doppler ultrasonography was used to track vascular changes during TCZ treatment.The data were analyzed by t test and rank sum test.The data were analyzed by Fisher exact test or Chi square test.Results Eighteen patients with a median age of 25.5 (range 18,47) were analyzed.Seventeen patients had taken a median of 3 (range 1,5) immune suppressants before TCZ therapy.Three patients withdrew TCZ after receiving 1 infusion each due to unbearable neck pain.The other 15 patients were treated with TCZ for a median of 13 (range 6,26) months.After TCZ treatment,the median ESR level,hsCRP level,mural thickness of common carotid artery and subclavical artery decreased from 45.5 (range 7-101) mm/1 h (Z=6.731,P＜0.01),37.40 (range 7.6-163.12) mg/L,0.25 (range 0.06-0.59) cm,0.18 (range 0.07-0.47) cm to 7 (range 1-44) mm/l h (Z=6.731,P＜0.01),0.94 (range 0.08-93.21) mg/L (Z=3.212,P=0.016),0.18 (range 0.04-0.53) cm (Z=4.873,P=0.001),and 0.12 (range 0.07-0.18) cm (Z=5.568,P＜ 0.01) respectively,with median glucocorticoid dosage being successfully tapered.One patient discontinued TCZ for unsatisfactory response after 6 TCZ infusions.One episode of urinary infection was recorded and relieved after antibiotic therapy.Neither neutropenia nor abnormal liver enzyme was observed.Conclusion Our study suggests that tocilizumab is a safe and effective agent for long term use among Chinese TA patients,especially for those refractory cases.

A Case Report of Takayasu's Arteritis with Traction Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of traction retinal detachment and retinal ischemia in inactive Takayasu's arteritis at ophthalmologic clinic. CASE SUMMARY: A 23-year-old woman presented with a floater, photophobia, and visual loss in her right eye one week prior to visit. She had no other systemic disease, such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension, or previous ophthalmic abnormalities except for a tumor in the adrenal gland. We found bilateral retinal ischemia and traction retinal detachment in the right eye on fundus examination without iris neovascularization. Pars plana vitrectomy, traction removal, endolaser treatment, and intravitreal bevacizumab injection were performed. Steroid eye drops and steroid systemic administration relieved the inflammation. On carotid doppler sonography, we found severe stenosis and thickness of the inner layer in both carotid arteries. We diagnosed the patient with an inactive phase of Takayasu's arteritis, which was conclusively correlated with the clinical features. Vascular anastomosis surgery along with follow-up was proposed by both the cardiology and vascular surgery departments. CONCLUSIONS: When a young patient presents with traction retinal detachment and retinal ischemia, Takayasu's arteritis should be considered for differential diagnosis and a systemic work-up should be performed as soon as possible.

Acupuncture Effects on Endocranial Hemodynamics of Patients with Takayasus Arteritis(Brachiocephalic Artery Type) / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To discuss the action mechanisms of Takayasus arteritis (brachiocephalic artery type) of acupuncture. Methods: We applied acupuncture therapy with the principle of warming Yang and supplementing Qi, removing obstruction in the meridians and recovering pulse, to treat patients with takayasus arteritis (brachiocephalic artery type). Before and after treatment, we detected the TCD (Transcranial Doppler) changes of the average velocity of blood flow (AVBF) and arterial pulsatility index (PI) of related arteris. Results: After treatment,acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate the abnormal blood flow rate in endocranial correlated arteries by two sides, in the AVBF while, elevate the elasticity of endocranial vessels.Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate cerebrovascular function of patients with takayasus arteritis (brachiocephalic artery type), increase the perfusion of cerebral blood flow, and adjust abnormal state of endocranial hemodynamics. This is possibly the important action mechanisms acupuncture in treating this disorder.

Angioplasty of Bilateral Coronary Ostial Stenosis in a Patient with Takayasu's Arteritis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Coronary artery involvement in Takayasu's arteritis is a relatively rare, and potentially lethal but surgically correctable disease. A 28-year-old female was admitted for the evaluation of headache associated with dizziness, palpitation and claudication of left arm. Her aortogram and coronary angiogram showed Takayasu's arteritis with bilateral coronary ostial stenosis. We performed bilateral coronary ostioplasty with saphenous vein patch graft. The patient was discharged in good condition. We report this case with literature review.