Infection and vasculitis.

Vasculitis may be associated with infection, immunization or anti-microbial drugs. Infections are responsible for a number of different types of vasculitis. Conversely, patients with vasculitis may develop infections, which sometimes mimic relapse.

Early atheroma in primary and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome: an intrinsic finding.

Objectives: The relationship between atherosclerosis and the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is unclear. This study compared intima-media thickness (IMT), arterial stiffness, and presence of plaques in APS patients and controls to evaluate the risk of atherosclerosis in this patient population. The study also explored the relationship between these parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.

Insights into atherosclerosis therapy in antiphospholipid syndrome.

The presence of early atheroma in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) underscores the necessity of new therapies for this disorder. Inflammation plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of both APS secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus and atheroma. Several drugs currently used in APS have also anti-atherogenic properties via their anti-inflammatory effect.