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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Takayasu's arteritis (tah-kah-YAH-sooz ahr-tuh-RIE-tis) is a rare type of vasculitis, a group of disorders that cause blood vessel inflammation. In Takayasu's arteritis, the inflammation damages the aorta — the large artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body — and the aorta's main branches. The disease can lead to blockages or narrowed arteries, called stenoses, or abnormally dilated arteries, called aneurysms. Takayasu's arteritis can also lead to arm or chest pain, high blood pressure, and eventually to heart failure or stroke.
Takayasu's arteritis mainly affects young girls and women under 40. The exact cause of the disease is not known.
The goal of treatment is to relieve inflammation in the arteries and prevent potential complications. Even with early detection and treatment, however, Takayasu's arteritis can be challenging to manage.
- Takayasu's arteritis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/takayasusartritis.asp. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Ogino H, et al. Overview of late outcome of medical and surgical treatment for Takayasu arteritis. 2008;118:2738.
- Hunder GG. Classification of and approach to vasculitis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2010.
- Hunder GG. Clinical features and diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2010.
- Hunder GG. Treatment of Takayasu arteritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2010.
- Takayasu's arteritis. Vasculitis Foundation. http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/takayasusarteritis. Accessed Sept. 14, 2010.
- Hauenstein E, et al. Takayasu's arteritis in pregnancy: Review of literature and discussion. Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 2010;38:55.
- McBane RD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 26, 2010.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 17, 2010.
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