takayasu

Question 1

What is the primary diagnosis in this case?

Answer 1

Takayasu’s arteritis

Takayasu’s arteritis is a large vessel vasculitis primarily affecting the aorta and its major branches.

Question 2

What are the typical symptoms of Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 2

Constitutional symptoms, claudication symptoms, significant blood pressure difference between arms

Constitutional symptoms include headache, malaise, and joint pains.

Question 3

What is the significant blood pressure difference indicative of Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 3

> 20 mmHg

A significant blood pressure difference between arms is a characteristic feature.

Question 4

What characteristic features are associated with Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 4

• Carotid bruits
• Aortic diastolic murmur (suggesting aortic regurgitation)

These features help differentiate Takayasu’s arteritis from other conditions.

Question 5

What condition typically presents in childhood and is associated with differential blood pressures but is congenital?

Answer 5

Coarctation of the aorta

Coarctation of the aorta would not explain the systemic symptoms or claudication.

Question 6

What condition is associated with Williams syndrome and presents in childhood?

Answer 6

Supravalvular aortic stenosis

This condition would not explain the systemic symptoms or claudication.

Question 7

What disease primarily affects small and medium-sized vessels and is strongly associated with smoking?

Answer 7

Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans)

It typically affects young male smokers and presents with digital ischaemia.

Question 8

What is a key characteristic of polyarteritis nodosa?

Answer 8

Medium-vessel vasculitis

Polyarteritis nodosa typically presents with renal involvement and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Question 9

What are the systemic features of Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 9

• Malaise
• Headache

These systemic features are common in vasculitis.

Question 10

What are the vascular imaging techniques used to diagnose Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 10

• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
• CT angiography (CTA)

Vascular imaging of the arterial tree is required for diagnosis.

Question 11

What is the primary management for Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 11

Steroids

Steroids are commonly used to manage inflammation in Takayasu’s arteritis.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Takayasu’s arteritis typically causes _______ of the aorta.

Answer 12

occlusion

This occlusion leads to absent limb pulses.

Question 13

What demographic is more commonly affected by Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 13

Younger females (10-40 years) and Asian people

This demographic information helps identify at-risk populations.

Question 14

What are the symptoms of upper and lower limb claudication in Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 14

Claudication on exertion

This symptom indicates ischemia due to vascular occlusion.

Question 15

True or False: Coarctation of the aorta typically presents with systemic symptoms and claudication.

Answer 15

False

Coarctation of the aorta is usually congenital and does not present with systemic symptoms.

Question 16

What vascular symptom is associated with Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 16

Absent or weak peripheral pulses

This is indicative of reduced blood flow due to occlusion.