Autoantibodies in Cases with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms are Seldom and without Association with Progression Rate

Introduction

Antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae are associated with the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), but cross-react with immunoglobulins in AAA walls indicating an autoimmune reaction.

Report

Of 82 men with a small AAA followed for 1–5 years, 17% (10–27%) had antibodies against immunoglobulin, 3.7% had antinuclear antibodies (ANA), 19.5% (11–30%) had antinuclear core antibodies (ANCA), 2.4% had anti-beta-2-gpI IgG and 3,7% antibodies against cardiolipin.

The presence of antibodies against immunoglobulin and ANCA were not correlated with expansion rate; 2.61 and 2.76mm/year, respectively, compared to 2.40 and 2.39mm/year annually among those without such antibodies.

Discussion

Known autoantibodies are seldomly present in AAA and seem not to influence the progression of AAA.

Keywords: Aotic aneurysm, Pathophysiology, Expansion, Autoimmune