Takayasu’s arteritis is a rare type of vasculitis, a group of disorders that causes blood vessel inflammation. In Takayasu’s arteritis, the inflammation damages the large artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body (aorta) and its main branches. The disease can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries, or to weakened artery walls that may bulge (aneurysm) and tear. It can also lead to arm or chest pain, high blood pressure, and eventually heart failure or stroke. If you don’t have symptoms, you may not need treatment. But most people with the disease need medications to control inflammation in the arteries and to prevent complications. Even with treatment, relapses are common, and your symptoms may come and go.
Causes:
With Takayasu’s arteritis, the aorta and other major arteries, including those leading to your head and kidneys, can become inflamed. Over time the inflammation causes changes in these arteries, including thickening, narrowing and scarring.
No one knows exactly what causes the initial inflammation in Takayasu’s arteritis. The condition is likely an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks your own arteries by mistake. The disease may be triggered by a virus or other infection.
Symptoms:
Stage 1
In the first stage, you’re likely to feel unwell with:
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Unintended weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle and joint aches and pains
- Mild fever, sometimes accompanied by night sweats
Stage 2
- Weakness or pain in your limbs with use
- Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
- Headaches or visual changes
- Memory problems or trouble thinking
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhea or blood in your stool
- Too few red blood cells (anemia)
Risk factors
Takayasu’s arteritis primarily affects girls and women younger than 40. The disorder occurs worldwide, but it’s most common in Asia. Sometimes the condition runs in families. Researchers have identified certain genes associated with Takayasu’s arteritis.
Diagnosis:
Blood test
Pulse check
(MRA/ CTA)
