Association between serum IgG4 concentrations and the morphology of the aorta in patients who undergo cardiac computed tomography

AbstractBackgroundImmunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease has been suggested to be involved in cardiovascular disorders such as chronic periaortitis. However, it remains unclear whether IgG4-related immuno-inflammation affects the subclinical stages of aortic remodeling. Here, we analyzed the relationship between serum IgG4 concentrations and the morphology of the ascending aorta.MethodsSerum concentrations of IgG4 were measured in 322 patients who underwent 320-slice cardiac computed tomography (CT). We assessed the aortic wall area and intravascular area at the portion between the aortic valve and the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery.ResultsIn total, 174 patients (54.0%) were diagnosed to have coronary artery disease (CAD) by cardiac CT. The intravascular area was significantly larger in patients with CAD than in those without (893mm2 vs. 811mm2, p=0.001). The aortic wall area was slightly, but not significantly, larger in patients with CAD than in those without (183mm2 vs. 176mm2, p=0.051). Serum concentrations of IgG4 were significantly higher in patients with an aortic wall area of median or greater size (≥181mm2) than in those with a smaller area (