Idiopathic large-vessel vasculitis presenting as acute abdomen and mesenteric ischemia
Objective: The term “large-vessel vasculitis” encompasses the spectrum of primary vasculitis that causes chronic granulomatous inflammation predominantly of the aorta and its major branches. The two major categories of large-vessel (LV) vasculitis are giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. LV...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2021-01-01
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| Series: | Indian Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.indjvascsurg.org/article.asp?issn=0972-0820;year=2021;volume=8;issue=4;spage=341;epage=346;aulast=Sekar |
| Summary: | Objective: The term “large-vessel vasculitis” encompasses the spectrum of primary vasculitis that causes chronic granulomatous inflammation predominantly of the aorta and its major branches. The two major categories of large-vessel (LV) vasculitis are giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. LV vasculitis of unknown etiology presenting as mesenteric ischemia is presented here. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center retrospective analysis of 17 patients who presented with mesenteric ischemia over a period of 7 years. Their age ranged from 18 to 69 years. There were five females and the rest were male. The presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, nausea, malaise, and low-grade fever. Peripheral pulses were normal. Computed tomography (CT) aortogram showed typical wall edema and inflammatory tissue encasing the superior mesenteric artery, celiac artery, and the adjacent aorta in all the patients. Thrombosis and localized dissection in the superior mesenteric and celiac arteries was seen in some. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were elevated, but other vasculitis markers were normal. Results: All of them were treated with glucocorticoids with immediate relief from the symptoms. Anticoagulation was given for those with thrombus, stenosis, and dissection. None had any intervention. At 1-year follow-up, there was no recurrence, and all were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Idiopathic LV vasculitis can present as mesenteric ischemia and acute abdomen. CT aortogram typically shows inflammatory tissue around the visceral artery and the aorta. The etiology is still uncertain. However, this condition has many similarities with LV giant cell arteritis (GCA-LV). Hence, all investigations should be done to rule out GCA. They respond very well to glucocorticoids. Correct diagnosis can avoid an unnecessary surgery. Long-term follow-up is required in order not to miss any late complications This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. |
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| ISSN: | 0972-0820 2394-0999 |