Clinical and ultrasound features of non-specific aorto-arteriitis and aortic arch branch syndrome

Abstract

Aim. With duplex scanning method, to compare clinical symptoms of non-specific aorto-arteriitis (NAA) to aortic arch pathology registered. Material and methods. In total, 32 women with NAA were examined. Twenty-four patients underwent duplex scanning of aortic arch branches, carotid intima-media thickness measurement (high-definition ultrasound method; Vivid 7 device, GE, USA). All participants underwent clinical and neurological examination, with inflammation activity assessment. Results. Isolated pathology of aortic arch branches (Type I NAA) was observed in 6 (25%) out of 24 patients; Type III NAA (pathology of aortic arch branches, thoraco-abdominal aorta, and its visceral branches) - in 16 (66,7%); Type IV NAA (pulmonary artery pathology, regardless of any other lesion location) - in 2 (8,3%). Arterial hypertension (AH) was diagnosed in 18 (75%) out of 24 participants. In Type I NAA, AH clinical course was milder than in Type III and IV NAA. Functional neurological and emotional-affective disturbances were typical for NAA. Common carotid artery pathology was registered in 19 (79,2%) patients, and cerebral blood flow pathology - in 2 (8,3%) out of 24 participants. Conclusion. In NAA patients, brachiocephalic artery and common carotid artery pathology prevalence is relatively high. At the same time, strokes and transient ischemic attacks are rare.

Keywords

• неспецифический аортоартериит
• артериальная гипертония
• дуплексное сканирование
• брахиоцефальные артерии
• клинико-неврологическое обследование