Overview of Takayasu arteritis
Takayasu arteritis is a systemic vasculitis that affects large blood vessels, typically the aorta and its major branches. It usually occurs in early adulthood and females are more commonly affected.
Takayasu arteritis is thought to have distinct inflammatory and ischaemic phases; however, these phases can overlap. The vascular changes seen in the inflammatory phase are potentially reversible with treatment, but it can be difficult to distinguish active inflammation from irreversible vascular changes (eg vascular stenosis).
The risk of patients developing life-threatening events is high due to the large vessels involved in Takayasu arteritis. Urgent specialist referral and early high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy is usually required.
If Takayasu arteritis is suspected, discuss urgently with a specialist to determine if immediate treatment or referral to hospital is required. Rheumatologists strongly encourage direct contact by general practitioners to expedite referral or obtain advice on treatment (eg before starting high-dose systemic corticosteroids).