Takayasu Arteritis - week 17

Question 1

what is Takayasu arteritis?

Answer 1

large-vessel vasculitis - affects the aorta and major branches

“pulseless disease”

Question 2

Epidemiology of Takayasu arteritis?

Answer 2

mainly women under 40
most common in Asia

Question 3

pathology of Takayasu arteritis?

Answer 3

granulomatous inflammation of the vessel wall, leading to occlusion or weakening of the vessel wall

Question 4

presentation of Takayasu arteritis?

Answer 4

claudication
myalgia due to ischaemia triggered by activity and relieved by rest
visual disturbance
dizziness
stroke

clinical examination - subclavian bruits, difference in BP between limbs, loss of pulses

Question 5

investigations into Takayasu arteritis?

Answer 5

CT
MRI
PET
blood test - anaemia
angiography - coarctation, occlusion and aneurysmal dilatation
Doppler ultrasound

Question 6

management for Takayasu arteritis?

Answer 6

high dose steroids
surgery (such as vascular bypass surgery)