What causes Takayasu arteritis?

No one knows exactly what causes the initial inflammation in Takayasu’s arteritis. The condition is likely an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks your own arteries by mistake. The disease may be triggered by a virus or other infection.

What is Takayasu syndrome?

Takayasu’s arteritis is a rare type of vasculitis, or blood vessel inflammation. It affects the biggest arteries in your body. Although there is no cure for it, you can treat it with medication and/or surgery. Some people with this condition can live a normal life, while others need to make adjustments.

What are the symptoms of Takayasu disease?

When early symptoms are present, people may feel generally unwell, with symptoms of mild fever, fatigue, aches and pains, and poor appetite. As the disease progresses, TAK can lead to headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, weakness, and light-headedness, among other symptoms.

Can Takayasu arteritis be cured?

Takayasu’s arteritis is clearly a treatable disease and most patients improve. However, it is apparent that many patients have to deal with consequences of this illness that may be partially or, less often, completely disabling.

How long can you live with Takayasu disease?

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic relapsing and remitting disorder. The overall 10-year survival rate is approximately 90%; however, this rate is reduced in the presence of major complications. The 5- and 10-year survival rates are approximately 69% and 36%, respectively, in patients with 2 or more complications.

How is Takayasu diagnosed?

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1. Blood tests. These tests can be used to look for signs of inflammation.
2. X-rays of your blood vessels (angiography).
3. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
4. Computerized tomography (CT) angiography.
5. Ultrasonography.
6. Positron emission tomography (PET).