Takayasu’s arteritis is a chronic (long) that manifests with inflammation (swelling) of the arteries. Also known as Takayasu aortitis, pulseless disease and aortic arch syndrome. The disease is named after the physician, Dr. Mikito Takayasu, who described it in 1905.
In most cases, the target organ of Takayasu’s arteritis is the aorta and its major branches, including the arteries of the brain, arms and kidneys. The aorta is the body’s main artery that pumps blood with oxygen from the heart to the rest of the body. Less frequently, also affected the pulmonary artery and the coronary arteries.
This problem causes damage to major organs of the body, decreased or absent pulses in the arms and legs, and symptoms of poor circulation, leg and arm and cold or cool, muscle aches to move or exercise, or symptoms of stroke (ACV) if brain arteries constrict or obstruct. This disease can be fatal.
Over time, Takayasu arteritis can cause scarring, narrowing of the arteries and dilation of blood vessels affected.
Although it is unknown the cause of Takayasu arteritis could be due to an autoimmune disorder, meaning that immune defenses attack the cells of the body instead of protecting them from external agents.
In Asia, Takayasu arteritis is a major cause of high blood pressure in adolescents and young adults. In North America and Europe, Takayasu arteritis is a rare disease that affects only 2 or 3 of every 1 million people per year. Is 8 times more common in women than in men. Although 75% of people begin to experience symptoms during their teenage years, the average age at which diagnosed the problem is usually not beyond 29 years. This is because the early symptoms of Takayasu arteritis are general and common, such as fatigue. Up to 96% of people do not get diagnosed until later, when their symptoms are more specific.
Posted in 
Tags: