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02-Aug-2006
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Arch Hellen Med, 23(2), March-April 2006, 140-148 REVIEW Takayasu arteritis: Diagnostic and therapeutic approach
N.G. GALANOPOULOS,1 G.S. GEORGIADIS,2 G.P. KAMBAKIS1 |
Ôakayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare vasculitis that affects the aorta and its branches, and pulmonary artery lesions may be present. It occurs most typically in young and mid-aged individuals, predominantly women. The majority of patients have both aneurysmal and stenotic lesions. A variety of physical findings and symptoms, related to the location, extent, and severity of vascular lesions may be present, including systemic manifestations, absent or diminished arterial pulses, claudication, hypertension related to renal artery stenosis, transient ischemic attacks and stroke, ocular findings, gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), symptoms of cardiac origin such as dyspnea, congestive heart failure, angina or myocardial infarction, and respiratory symptoms such as hemoptysis and pulmonary hypertension. In the absence of treatment, the diagnosis is poor, but is improved with the use of corticosteroids in addition to cytotoxic agents, and also timely arterial reconstruction when indicated.
Key words: Arteritis, Takayasu disease.
