Takayasu's Arteritis
Takayasu’s Arteritis
It is an inflammatory condition of blood vessels. Takayasu’s arteritis usually affects the large arteries of the body like aorta which supplies blood from the heart to all the organs and tissues of the body.
Symptoms
Takayasu’s arteritis produce signs and symptoms in two stages:
Stage 1
- Muscle and joints pain
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Weight loss
Stage 2
- Dizziness
- Weakness and pain
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Memory problem
- Diarrhea
- Anemia
Causes
The exact cause of Takayasu’s arthritis is still not known yet. But it may be assumed that autoimmune conditions may predispose this condition. After some time this condition obliterated the lumen of the artery and may obstruct the blood flow.
Complications
If left untreated it may cause the following complications:
Diagnosis
Your doctor after taking the history may perform a physical examination to check the pulse and stiffness and hardening of arteries. He also recommends some tests to rule out the other conditions which cause the same signs and symptoms.
- Angiography to see the condition of blood vessels.
- MRA to see the vasculature in better quality.
- Blood tests to rule out the other causes of inflammation.
- Check the blood pressure in the blood vessels. It is also called Doppler ultrasound
Treatment
The main aim of treatment is to reduce inflammation and prevent complications. Treatment options include surgery and medications.
Medication. Your doctor may prescribe you a corticosteroid to stop the inflammation. Other drugs that suppress the activity of the immune system may also help to reduce the signs and symptoms of Takayasu arthritis. Immune regulator medicine also corrects the abnormal function of the immune system.
Surgery
Surgical options include:
- Bypass surgery
- Aortic valve surgery
- Percutaneous angioplasty