Takayasu's arteritis
Takayasu's arteritis
Takayasu's arteritis (pronounced: ta-kah-YAH-soo ar-ter-EYE-tis), also known as pulseless disease, aortic arch syndrome, and young female arteritis, is a rare type of vasculitis, a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the blood vessels.
Etymology
The disease is named after the Japanese ophthalmologist, Dr. Mikito Takayasu, who first described the condition in 1908. The term "arteritis" is derived from the Greek words "arteria" (meaning artery) and "-itis" (meaning inflammation).
Definition
Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects large blood vessels, such as the aorta and its main branches. The inflammation causes narrowing, blockage, or aneurysms in the blood vessels, leading to a range of symptoms and complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis can vary widely, depending on which arteries are affected. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, joint and muscle pain, and a weak or absent pulse in the limbs. More severe cases can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, or visual disturbances.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis is often challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms and rarity. It typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies such as angiography, and sometimes a biopsy of the affected artery.
Treatment
Treatment for Takayasu's arteritis primarily involves managing symptoms and preventing complications. This often includes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and other medications to suppress the immune system. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to bypass blocked arteries or repair aneurysms.
Prognosis
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for individuals with Takayasu's arteritis can be quite good. However, the disease is chronic and may require lifelong management.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Takayasu's arteritis
- Wikipedia's article - Takayasu's arteritis
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