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Takayasu Arteritis

Large Vessel Vasculitis Affecting the Aorta and Major Branches

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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What is Takayasu Arteritis?

Takayasu arteritis is a systemic large vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology affecting primarily the aorta, its main branches, and pulmonary arteries. The disease typically presents in women younger than 40 years, with higher prevalence in Asian populations, particularly from Japan, India, and Turkey.

The pathological process involves granulomatous inflammation of the arterial wall progressing through three stages: early systemic inflammation, vessel inflammation with symptoms, and chronic fibrotic phase with stenosis or aneurysm. The aortic arch and its branches, abdominal aorta, and renal arteries are commonly affected.

Cardiovascular complications include hypertension from renal artery involvement, coronary artery ostial stenosis, aortic regurgitation from aortic root dilation, and heart failure from pressure overload or myocarditis. Cerebral ischemia may result from supra-aortic vessel involvement.

Diagnosis utilizes the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria combined with imaging evidence from CT angiography, MR angiography, or FDG-PET/CT demonstrating characteristic vessel wall thickening, stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysmal changes in affected arteries.

Symptoms

Upper extremity claudication and asymmetric blood pressure between arms
Absent or diminished peripheral pulses with vascular bruits
Constitutional symptoms including fever, weight loss, and malaise
Hypertension particularly in young patients
Chest pain, dyspnea, or symptoms of heart failure
Neurological symptoms including syncope, headache, or visual disturbances

Risk Factors

Female sex with 8-9 times higher incidence than males
Age less than 40 years at disease onset
Asian, Middle Eastern, or Latin American ethnicity
Genetic predisposition with HLA-B*52 association
Family history of autoimmune disease
Environmental factors possibly including mycobacterial antigens

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Young women with asymmetric blood pressure or absent peripheral pulses require rheumatology and vascular medicine evaluation
  • Unexplained constitutional symptoms with elevated inflammatory markers in young patients warrant vasculitis workup
  • Known Takayasu patients developing new symptoms or disease flares require urgent specialist assessment

Treatment Methods

01
High-dose corticosteroid therapy typically prednisone 1 mg/kg/day for induction of remission
02
Steroid-sparing immunosuppressants including methotrexate, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil
03
Biologic agents such as tocilizumab or TNF inhibitors for refractory or relapsing disease
04
Antihypertensive therapy with careful monitoring in patients with renal artery stenosis
05
Endovascular interventions including balloon angioplasty or stenting for critical stenosis
06
Surgical bypass or vessel reconstruction for severe stenotic disease not amenable to endovascular treatment

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.