Two Takayasu arteritis patients successfully treated with rituximab

Clin Rheumatol. 2014 Aug;33(8):1183-4. doi: 10.1007/s10067-014-2506-5. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare form of chronic large vessel vasculitis of unknown origin involving the aorta and its major branches. Recently, the involvement of B lymphocytes in TA has been suggested, and active refractory TA patients were successfully treated with B cell depletion therapy (BCDT). We report two cases of patients with TA successfully treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab). The favorable outcome of rituximab treatment in our patients also support the view that BCDT can be a useful option for refractory TA, and its potential should be evaluated in controlled trials.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Rituximab
  • Takayasu Arteritis / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab