Characteristics of patients with non-specific aortoarteritis and arterial hypertension based on retrospective analysis
Authors: Shamshilina V. A. , Blinova N. V. , Chikhladze N. M. , Sivakova O. A. , Chazova I. E. 
Published: October 2023

The aim was to study the medical history, laboratory and instrumental data, the trends of arterial hypertension (AH), risk factors for cardiovascular events, target organ damage (TOD), and the development of cardiovascular complications in patients with NSAA (Non-Specific Aortoarteritis).

Materials and Methods. The study included 33 women with confirmed NSAA who had been treated at the 5th Cardiology Department of the E.I. Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology since 2005. Complete blood count, biochemical blood analysis, urine analysis, the following instrumental examinations, such as, ECG, echocardiography, ultrasound of the brachial, femoral, aortic, and renal arteries, MRA or CT angiography with contrast, blood pressure measurement in the arms and legs were performed for all patients. Telephone interviews were conducted to assess some patient's condition over time.

Results. The most common symptom (84% of patients) was AH, the average age of AH onset was 30 [19; 40] years and the AH average duration is 7,5 [2; 13] years. Nearly half of the patients (45%) had AH as the leading symptom that led them to perform the examination that helped to the diagnosis of NSAA. The average systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were 123±35 mmHg and 66±17 mmHg in the upper extremities, and 166±31 mmHg and 78±18 mmHg in the lower extremities, respectively. About half of patients (51%) had stage 3 AH, and almost all of them had type 3 according to E. Lupi-Herrera classification. The most common risk factors for cardiovascular events were dyslipidemia (82%), a family history of early cardiovascular events (51%), resting heart rate above 80 bpm (25%), and carbohydrate metabolism disorders (21%). When assessing cardiovascular risk, moderate risk of developing cardiovascular events was observed in 3 patients (10,7%), high risk in 16 patients (57,1%), and very high risk in 9 patients (32,1%). The most common TODs were nervous system damage (53%), including cerebrovascular ischemic events (14%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (42%). This group of patients was characterized by resistant hypertension, and combination with other risk factors for cardiovascular events, it leds to severe TOD and influenced survival rate. In terms of antihypertensive therapy, 61% of patients received combination therapy, with CCB, beta-blockers, and imidazoline receptor agonist being the most prescribed. Two fatal cases were identified in the long-term follow-up, and cardiovascular events, most frequently stroke, were the main complications observed. Additionally, AH progression and its uncontrolled course despite going through multiple drug therapy were characteristic.

Conclusion: AH is often difficult to diagnostic in patients with NSAA, and it significantly contributes to the structure of complications and mortality in this patient cohort, progressively worsening over time. It is important to measure blood pressure in both arms and legs to detect elevated values early. The main goals of treatment are achieving NSAA remission and blood pressure control and preventing cardiovascular events.