A case series of surgically diagnosed idiopathic aortitis in a Canadian centre: a retrospective study.

A case series of surgically diagnosed idiopathic aortitis in a Canadian centre: a retrospective study. CMAJ Open. 2017 Jun 19;5(2):E483-E487 Authors: Murzin DL, Belanger EC, Veinot JP, Milman N, Canadian Vasculitis Network (CanVasc) Abstract BACKGROUND: Idiopathic aortitis became recognized relatively recently, and the body of knowledge concerning this condition is scarce. We aimed to determine the frequency of idiopathic aortitis in aortic specimens, the clinical, laboratory and radiologic characteristics at diagnosis and during follow-up, and the approach to investigation, treatment and monitoring taken by the treating physicians. METHODS: We identified cases of aortitis diagnosed on pathological specimens of the aorta between Jan. 1, 2003, and July 31, 2013, at The Ottawa Hospital by reviewing the hospital's pathology database. Charts of identified patients were reviewed, and data on patient demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory and imaging tests, treatment and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 684 aortic specimens were analyzed during the study period; 47 cases of aortitis were identified, 32 of which were idiopathic. Twenty-one patients (66%) had complete imaging of branch vessels at baseline, 16 (76%) of whom had additional aortic or branch vessel lesions. Twelve patients (38%) received corticosteroids postoperatively. Over a mean follow-up period of 47.5 months, among the 12 patie...
Source: cmaj - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: CMAJ Open Source Type: research