Takayasu's Arteritis

What is Takayasu's Arteritis?

Takayasu's arteritis is inflammation of the aorta (the body´s largest artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body) and the arteries that branch off from it. It may cause narrowing of the aorta (the most common problem) or aneurysms. It is very similar to giant cell arteritis.

Causes

Doctors don´t know what causes Takayasu's arteritis. It may be an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system wrongly attacks healthy tissue.

Risk Factors

The disease mainly occurs in female patients younger than 30, especially people whose ancestors are African or Asian, though it has been seen in all races. It is, by far, most commonly seen in women.

What are the Symptoms?

• High blood pressure or difference in blood pressure between the arms
• Weak or absent wrist pulse
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Night sweats
• Weight loss

How is Takayasu's Arteritis Diagnosed?

• Chest X-ray: Electromagnetic energy produces pictures of the structures of the chest, including the arteries.
• Angiography: A dye is inserted into the arteries through a catheter, then an X-ray is taken to show how blood flows through the arteries and whether any aneurysms are present.
• Electrocardiogram: Searches for any damage to the heart by measuring electrical activity, how the heart beats and the location and positioning of the heart's chambers.
• Blood tests: The tests will search for the presence of inflammation and the presence of proteins that make antibodies (which fight off viruses and bacteria).

Treatment at UVA's Heart and Vascular Center

• Medication: The first-line treatment for Takayasu's arteritis is with steroids to reduce inflammation. Immunosuppressive drugs may need to be added to the steroids to reduce the inflammation if steroids alone are not controlling the inflammatory symptoms.
• Surgery: Surgery is sometimes necessary to bypass portions of arteries narrowed by the disease. About 20 percent of patients with Takayasu's arteritis require surgery.