Description A rare disease that...
Description
A rare disease that causes inflammation in the medium and large arteries of the body. The disease is more common in females and in people of Asian descent. Over time the inflammation results in scarring and damage to the blood vessels. The aorta is the main blood vessel of the body and Takayasu's arteritis targets that vessel and its branches. The damage to the blood vessels results in decreased blood flow to the attached organs (heart, kidney, brain) and this can cause serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of disease and location of the involved arteries. Symptoms can include high blood pressure, chest pain, abdominal pain, arm/leg pain, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Decreased blood flow to the brain can cause stroke like symptoms that may include numbness, weakness, visual changes, dizziness and fainting episodes.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Blood tests including a CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein will be performed. Imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI are usually needed. The extent of testing may be directed by symptoms that suggest the involved organ systems. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by a combination of symptoms, exam findings, high ESR and CRP tests and characteristic blood vessel irregularities found on imaging tests.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: arteriogram
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Cardiology, Neurology, Vascular Surgery
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Blood tests including a CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein will be performed. Imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI are usually needed. The extent of testing may be directed by symptoms that suggest the involved organ systems. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by a combination of symptoms, exam findings, high ESR and CRP tests and characteristic blood vessel irregularities found on imaging tests.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: arteriogram
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Cardiology, Neurology, Vascular Surgery
Treatment
Treatment almost always begins with the use of corticosteroids such as prednisone. If symptoms continue to progress, stronger immunosuppressive drugs may be used, such as methotrexate (Folex, Methotrexate, Rheumatrex), azathioprine (Imuran), mycophenolate (Cellcept), leflunomide (Arava), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar), adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade). In instances of significant blood vessel narrowing, treatment options include surgery, balloon angioplasty (opening of a blood vessel with a balloon inside the vessel) and stent placement (a wire mesh to keep the artery open).