Background Promising therapeutic approaches have emerged in chronic periaortitis, whereas peripheral blood biomarkers are lacking. CCL18 is known as a marker of fibrotic activity and prognosis in pulmonary fibrosis¹.

Objectives In this study we investigated whether CCL18 levels are increased in patients with chronic periaortitis and associated with clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings.

Methods In this retrospective study, serum concentrations of CCL18 were assessed in 30 patients with chronic periaortitis and related to clinical data, laboratory parameters and imaging studies. Serum levels were compared to 15 apparently healthy volunteers and 15 controls with aortic sclerosis.

Results CCL18 serum concentrations were increased in patients with chronic periaortitis (197.6 (262.2; 163.8) ng/ml) compared to healthy volunteers (34.6 (53.6; 27.7) ng/ml; p<0.0001) and controls with aortic sclerosis (50.4 (24.5-141.2) ng/ml; p<0.0001). CCL18 levels correlated (n=30; r=0.461; p=0.01) and increased with the transversal diameter of the periaortic mantle <5, 5-10 and ≥10 mm (p=0.008). Contrast enhancement (p=0.044), treatment naivety (p=0.042), and the occurrence of systemic symptoms (p=0.007) were associated with higher CCL18 levels. During follow-up changes of CCL18 correlated with changes of the transverse diameter of the periaortic mantle (n=17; r=0.512; p=0.033)

Conclusions CCL18 serum concentration reflects fibro-inflammatory activity and disease extent in patients with chronic periaortitis.

1. Prasse A, Probst C, Bargagli E, Zissel G, Toews GB, Flaherty KR, et al. Serum CCchemokine ligand 18 concentration predicts outcome in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009;179:717-723.

Disclosure of Interest None Declared