Cardiac Imaging Study on Rilonacept for Pericarditis
Author Information
Author(s): Cremer Paul C, Brucato Antonio, Insalaco Antonella, Lin David, Luis Sushil A, Kwon Deborah H, Jellis Christine L, Clair JoAnn, Curtis Allison, Wang Sheldon, Klein Allan L, Imazio Massimo, Paolini John F
Primary Institution: Cleveland Clinic, Heart and Vascular Institute
Hypothesis
Can longitudinal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging predict outcomes after treatment suspension in patients with recurrent pericarditis treated with rilonacept?
Conclusion
Long-term treatment with rilonacept improved clinical outcomes and imaging results, but the absence of late gadolinium enhancement did not predict future recurrences after treatment suspension.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients who continued rilonacept treatment showed significant clinical improvement.
- Imaging results indicated reduced pericardial thickness and resolution of edema.
- 71% of patients who suspended treatment had recurrences within 1-4 months.
Takeaway
This study looked at how heart scans can help doctors decide if patients with a heart condition called pericarditis should keep taking their medicine or stop. It found that even if the scans look good, patients might still have problems later.
Methodology
Patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 18 months of treatment to assess changes in pericardial thickness, edema, and late gadolinium enhancement.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of external adjudication for recurrence events.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and relied on investigator assessment for recurrence events.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":43.1,"female_percentage":53.6,"median_disease_duration":1.6}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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