Takayasu's arteritis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Coping skills

Introduction

Takayasu's arteritis is an uncommon form of vasculitis, a spectrum of conditions characterized by inflammation of your blood vessels. Takayasu's arteritis damages the large arteries in your body, particularly the aorta — your body's principal blood vessel, which carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body — and its major branches.

Inflammation of a blood vessel, as occurs in Takayasu's arteritis, can cause layers of the blood vessel to thicken. This narrows the blood vessel, reducing the amount of blood — and thus, the oxygen and nutrients — that reaches your body's tissues. Reduced blood flow can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure and other circulatory problems. In some cases, a blood clot may form in an affected artery, obstructing blood flow and causing a stroke or heart attack. Sometimes instead of becoming narrower, a blood vessel may weaken and form a bulge (aneurysm). If the aneurysm bursts, it can be life-threatening.

Treatment usually consists of relieving the inflammation in the arteries and preventing potential complications. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the signs and symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis can be managed successfully for many years.

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Signs and symptoms