Takayasu's Disease
.What is Takayasu’s Disease?
Takayasu's disease, also known as "pulseless disease," is a type of autoimmune vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to clotting, narrowing, or even blocked arteries. It primarily affects young women between the ages of 15 and 35 and typically affects the aorta and its branches. Takayasu's disease can be mild, or it can be life-threatening in severity. Symptoms can include fatigue, chest pain, paleness, numbness in the hands or feet, headache, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment options include medications, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologic agents, as well as surgery.
Symptoms of Takayasu's Disease
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Paleness
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Headache
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
Diagnosis of Takayasu's Disease
Takayasu's disease can be difficult to diagnose because it often presents with nonspecific symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain. Takayasu's disease is usually diagnosed by a combination of clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans. Other tests, such as echocardiography, arteriography, and plethysmography, can be used to evaluate the blood vessels for narrowing or obstruction.
Treatment of Takayasu's Disease
Treatment for Takayasu's disease typically involves a combination of medications, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologic agents, as well as surgery. Surgery is usually used to correct any narrowing or obstruction of the vessels. In some cases, a stent can be placed in the vessel to keep it open. For severe cases, bypass surgery may be necessary in order to restore normal blood flow. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and prevent further narrowing of the vessels.