From the Guidelines
Intravascular inflammation is a complex pathological process involving the activation of inflammatory cells and release of inflammatory mediators within blood vessel walls, which can lead to serious cardiovascular complications. This condition occurs when the body's immune system responds to injury or harmful stimuli inside the vascular system, affecting various components of blood vessels, including the endothelium, smooth muscle cells, and surrounding tissues. Common causes of intravascular inflammation include infections, autoimmune disorders, physical trauma to vessels, exposure to toxins, or the presence of foreign materials in the bloodstream 1. Intravascular inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, vasculitis, and thrombosis, which can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or organ damage due to compromised blood flow. Some key points to consider in the management of intravascular inflammation include:
- The use of anti-inflammatory medications, anticoagulants, or immunosuppressants depending on the specific condition and its severity 1
- The importance of addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation, such as infections or autoimmune disorders
- The need for ongoing monitoring and management to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes
- The potential benefits and risks of different treatment options, including the use of cyclophosphamide and other immunosuppressive agents 1 The management of intravascular inflammation should prioritize the reduction of morbidity, mortality, and improvement of quality of life, and treatment decisions should be based on the most recent and highest-quality evidence available.
From the Research
Definition of Intravascular Inflammation
- Intravascular inflammation refers to the inflammation that occurs within the blood vessels 2.
- It is a malignant intravascular inflammation that represents the body's response to overwhelming and life-threatening infection, such as sepsis 2.
Characteristics of Intravascular Inflammation
- Intravascular inflammation can result in tissue damage, organ failure, and death 2.
- It is associated with the activation of coagulation, endothelial dysfunction, and microvascular thrombosis 3.
- Intravascular inflammation can be caused by infectious insults, such as sepsis, and non-infectious insults, such as trauma 3.
Relationship with Other Conditions
- Intravascular inflammation is related to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which is an acquired syndrome characterized by widespread intravascular activation of coagulation 3.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can affect intravascular inflammation, but their use is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events [(4,5,6)].