Takayasu's arteritis

Question 1

What is Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 1

Large vessel vasculitis

Question 2

What does Takayasu’s arteritis typically cause and what do questions commonly refer to?

Answer 2

Occlusion of the aorta

Absent limb pulse

Question 3

In which patients is Takayasu’s arteritis more common?

Answer 3

Young females (10-40)
Asian

Question 4

How may Takayasu’s arteritis present?

Answer 4

Systemic features: malaise, headache
Upper + lower limb claudication on exertion

Question 5

List 3 signs of Takayasu’s arteritis on examination

Answer 5

Unequal BP in upper limbs
Carotid bruit + tenderness
Absent/ weak peripheral pulses

Question 6

Which murmur may be heard in Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 6

Aortic Regurgitation (~20%)

Question 7

What condition is Takayasu’s arteritis associated with?

Answer 7

Renal artery stenosis

Question 8

What investigation is required to diagnose Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 8

MR angiography or CT angiography

Question 9

What is the management of Takayasu’s arteritis?

Answer 9

Steroids