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What is Takayasu Arteritis? (TA)

An autoimmune disease discovered by Takayasu in 1908.

History: Dr. Mikoto Takayasu, Ophthalmologist reported Ocular changes in a 21 year old Japanese woman. Subsequently, Dr. Onishi and Dr. Kagoshima mentioned similar manifestations with the addition of absent pulses in the arms. Data collected through the years framed the criteria for classifications and presentation of Takayasu’s Arteritis. By 1975 the disease was formally labeled Takayasu’s Arteritis. TA usually strikes those from 15 to 40 years of age. It affects 8 or 9 times as many women as men and is most common in women of Asian decent

Symptoms: Inflammation of the aorta and its branch arteries can lead to poor blood supply to tissues in the body in patients with Takayasu Arteritis. This can cause painful, cool or blanched extremities; dizziness; headaches; chest pain and abdominal pain. TA is often referred to a the “pulseless disease” as there is difficulty in detecting peripheral pulse that sometimes occurs as a result of vascular narrowing. Vascular bruits are often detected as symptoms of arterial involvement.

Diagnosis: Rheumatologists and Internists are recommended to evaluate patient conditions. There is no reliable diagnostic tool. TA is often misdiagnosed.