View source for Takayasu's arteritis (patient information)

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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Takayasu's arteritis|here]]'''

{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{SHH}}

==Overview==
In Takayasu's arteritis [[Symptom|symptoms]] may include arm [[Muscle weakness|weakness]] or pain with use, [[Chest pain]], [[Dizziness]], [[Fever]], [[Arthralgia|joint]] or [[Myalgia|muscle pain]], vision changes, [[Hypertension|high blood pressure (hypertension)]]. Takayasu arteritis appears to be an [[Autoimmunity|autoimmune]] condition. This means the body's [[immune system]] mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The disease occurs mainly in children and women between the ages of 20 to 40. It is more common in people of East Asian, Indian or Mexican descent. The diagnosis is made when a person has [[Symptom|symptoms]] and [[imaging]] showing [[blood vessel]] narrowing suggesting [[inflammation]]. Possible tests include [[Angiogram]], [[Complete blood count|Complete blood count (CBC)]], [[Electrocardiogram|electrocardiogram (ECG)]], [[Magnetic resonance angiography|magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)]], [[Magnetic resonance imaging|magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]]. Most people are first treated with high doses of [[Steroid|steroids]]. [[Immunosuppressive drug|Immunosuppressive drugs]], such as [[azathioprine]], [[mycophenolate]], [[methotrexate]], or [[leflunomide]] are often added. Biologic agents including [[TNF inhibitor|TNF inhibitors]] such as [[infliximab]] are recommended for people who do not improve with the previous treatment. [[Surgery]] or [[angioplasty]] may be used to open up narrowed [[Artery|arteries]] to supply [[blood]] or open up the constriction. [[Complication (medicine)|Complications]] may include [[Thrombus|blood clot]], [[Heart attack (patient information)|heart attack]], [[Congestive heart failure (patient information)|heart failure]], [[Pericarditis (patient information)|pericarditis]], [[Stroke (patient information)|stroke]], [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]] or pain from blockage of bowel [[Blood vessel|blood vessels]].

==What are the Symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis?==
[[Symptom|Symptoms]] may include:
* Arm [[Muscle weakness|weakness]] or pain with use
* [[Chest pain]]
* [[Dizziness]]/ lightheadedness
* [[Fatigue]]
* [[Fever]]
* [[Arthralgia|Joint]] or [[Myalgia|muscle pain]]
* Skin [[rash]]
* Night sweats
* Vision changes
* [[Weight loss]]
* Decreased [[Radial artery|radial]] pulses (at the wrist)
* Difference in [[blood pressure]] between the two arms
* [[Hypertension|High blood pressure (hypertension)]]

==What Causes Takayasu's arteritis?==
* The cause of Takayasu arteritis is unknown. The disease occurs mainly in children and women between the ages of 20 to 40. It is more common in people of East Asian, Indian or Mexican descent. However, it is now being seen more often in other parts of the world. Several [[Gene|genes]] that increase the chance of having this problem were recently found.
* Takayasu arteritis appears to be an [[Autoimmunity|autoimmune]] condition. This means the body's [[immune system]] mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The condition may also involve other organ systems. Takayasu arteritis has many features that are similar to [[Temporal arteritis|giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis)]] in older people.

== Diagnosis ==
* There is no [[blood test]] available to make a definite diagnosis.
* The diagnosis is made when a person has [[Symptom|symptoms]] and [[imaging]] showing [[blood vessel]] narrowing suggesting [[inflammation]].
* Possible tests include:
** Arteriogram
** [[Angiogram]]
** [[Complete blood count|Complete blood count (CBC)]]
** [[C-reactive protein|C-reactive protein (CRP)]]
** [[Electrocardiogram|Electrocardiogram (ECG)]]
** [[Erythrocyte sedimentation rate|Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)]]
** [[Magnetic resonance angiography|Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)]]
** [[Magnetic resonance imaging|Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]]
** [[Computed tomography|Computed tomography (CT)]]
** [[Ultrasound]]
** [[Chest X-ray|X-ray of the chest]]

==When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?==
Call your health care provider if you have [[Symptom|symptoms]] of this condition. Weak [[pulse]], [[chest pain]], and [[breathing]] difficulty require immediate care.

==Treatment Options==
Treatment of Takayasu arteritis is difficult. However, people who have the right treatment can see improvement. It is important to identify the condition early.

=== MEDICINES ===
* Most people are first treated with high doses of [[Steroid|steroids]]. [[Immunosuppressive drug|Immunosuppressive drugs]], such as [[azathioprine]], [[mycophenolate]], [[methotrexate]], or [[leflunomide]] are often added.
* Biologic agents including [[TNF inhibitor|TNF inhibitors]] such as [[infliximab]] are recommended for people who do not improve with the previous treatment.
* Other biologic agents that show promising benefits for treating Takayasu's arteritis include [[tocilizumab]], and [[rituximab]].

=== SURGERY ===
* [[Surgery]] or [[angioplasty]] may be used to open up narrowed [[Artery|arteries]] to supply [[blood]] or open up the constriction.
* Aortic valve replacement may be needed in some cases.

==Where to find Medical Care for Takayasu's arteritis?==
Medical care for Takayasu's arteritis can be found [https://www.google.com/maps/search/hospitals/ here].

==Prevention==
There are no established measures for the [[Prevention (medical)|prevention]] of Takayasu's arteritis.

==What to Expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
This disease can be fatal without treatment. However, a combined treatment approach using medicines and [[surgery]] has lowered [[Mortality rate|death rates]]. Adults have a better chance of [[Survival analysis|survival]] than children.

==Possible Complications==
[[Complication (medicine)|Complications]] may include:
* [[Thrombus|Blood clot]]
* [[Heart attack (patient information)|Heart attack]]
* [[Congestive heart failure (patient information)|Heart failure]]
* [[Pericarditis (patient information)|Pericarditis]]
* [[Aortic regurgitation|Aortic valve insufficiency]]
* [[Pleurisy|Pleuritis]]
* [[Stroke (patient information)|Stroke]]
* [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]] or pain from blockage of bowel [[Blood vessel|blood vessels]]

==Sources==

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm

[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Up-To-Date]]

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