Takayasu's arteritis (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
What is Takayasu's arteritis?
Takayasu's arteritis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects the aorta and its branches. Although it has been reported worldwide, it shows a predilection for young Asian women. Females with this disease outnumber males by 8:1, and the age of onset is typically between 15 and 30 years. In the Western world, atherosclerosis is a more frequent cause of obstruction of the aortic arch vessels than is Takayasu's arteritis.
What are the symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis?
About half of all patients develop an initial systemic illness with symptoms of malaise, fever, night sweats, weight loss, arthralgia, and fatigue. There is often an anemia and marked elevation of the ESR. This phase gradually subsides and is followed by a more chronic stage characterized by inflammatory and obliterative changes in the aorta and its branches. The other half of patients with Takayasu's arteritis present with only late vascular changes, without an antecedent systemic illness. In the late stage, weakness of the arterial walls may give rise to localized aneurysms.
Four types of late-phase Takayasu arteritis are described on the basis of the sites of involvement as follows:[1]
- Type I - Classic pulseless type that involves the brachiocephalic trunk, carotid arteries, and subclavian arteries
- Type II - Combination of type I and III
- Type III - Atypical coarctation type that involves the thoracic and abdominal aortas distal to the arch and its major branches
- Type IV - Dilated type that involves extensive dilatation of the length of the aorta and its major branches
What causes Takayasu's arteritis?
Takayasu's arteritis is most often associated with trauma, blood clots, or malformations that develop before birth. The arteries' defects result in abnormal blood flow to the head, neck, or arms.
Who is at risk for Takayasu's arteritis?
Where to find medical care for Takayasu's arteritis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Takayasu's arteritis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Sources
Template:SIB Template:WH Template:WS
- ↑ "eMedicine - Arteritis, Takayasu : Article by Robert L Cirillo, Jr, MD, MBA". Retrieved 2007-07-19.