Takayasu’s arteritis

Overview

Takayasu’s arteritis is a rare form of vasculitis, a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the blood vessels. It is sometimes referred to as Takayasu disease, pulseless disease, or TAK. Takayasu’s arteritis causes inflammation and damage to the aorta, a major artery that delivers blood from the heart to the rest of the body. 

The condition can cause arterial walls to become weaker and tear or bulge (aneurysm). It can also cause arteries to become narrower or blocked. The arteries that supply blood to the arms and flow through the neck to supply blood to the brain are among those that are affected. Additionally, it may cause chest discomfort, arm pain, high blood pressure, and heart failure or a stroke. 

While it is possible for asymptomatic patients to forego treatment, the majority of individuals diagnosed with the condition usually require medication to address artery inflammation and prevent potential complications. It should be noted that even with treatment, relapses are common, and symptoms may vary over time. 

Symptoms

While some TAK patients may not exhibit any symptoms, the majority of TAK patients will experience a generalized disease. Takayasu’s arteritis signs and symptoms frequently occur in two stages. 

• Early stage: Early stage or the first stage signs and symptoms may include:
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Fever or night sweats

These early warning signs and symptoms are not always present.  Inflammation may harm the arteries for years before anyone notice anything is seriously wrong. 

• Later stage: Also referred as the second stage. As a result of the later stage’s inflammation, tissues and organs in the body receive less blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Signs and symptoms includes: 
  • Weakness or pain in the limbs.
  • A weak pulse, trouble measuring blood pressure, or a difference in the arm’s blood pressure.
  • Lightheaded, dizziness,or fainting
  • Headaches
  • Visual changes
  • Memory issues or difficulty thinking
  • Chest pain or difficulty in breathing
  • High blood pressure
  • Diarrhea or blood in the stool
  • Anemia (low red blood cell)

Shortness of breath, arm or chest pain, as well as symptoms of a stroke such facial drooping, arm paralysis, or trouble speaking, should all be treated immediately. 

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have other signs or symptoms that worry you. Effective treatment for Takayasu’s arteritis depends on early detection.

If Takayasu’s arteritis was the patient’s diagnosis, keep in mind that even with successful treatment, the symptoms could come and go. Pay attention to recurring symptoms as well as any new ones, and be sure to notify the healthcare provider once there are anything changes.

Causes

Takayasu’s arteritis may be an autoimmune illness, which implies that the immune system is attacking healthy tissue by mistake. A virus or another infection may cause a disease. 

Some cases of Takayasu’s arteritis, according to researchers, may be caused by a gene that is inherited from both parents. Due to just carrying one copy of the gene, they may not exhibit any symptoms. They are susceptible to developing the disorder and its symptoms when they receive that particular gene from both parents.

Takayasu’s arteritis can cause inflammation in the aorta and other major arteries, including those that provide blood to the kidneys and the head. These arteries experience thickening, constriction, and scarring as a result of the inflammation over time. 

Risk factors

The following factors increase the risk in developing takayasu’s arteritis. 

• Age: TAK often affects between the ages of 20 and 40. People with Takayasu’s arteritis are frequently between 15 and 35 years old when they receive a diagnosis. 
• Gender: Female are more prone in developing the condition than men. Between 80% and 90% of those with this disease were given the gender of a female.
• Race: Though it occurs everywhere, Asia is where it is most prevalent.