Takayasu’s Arteritis Treatment in Riverside, CA

Overview of Takayasu’s Arteritis

Takayasu arteritis is a rare type of vasculitis. Vasculitis is a group of diseases that make blood vessels swell. Takayasu arteritis affects the aorta. This is the large artery that carries blood away from the heart. It also affects the main arteries that branch off the aorta to the arms, head and organs.

Understanding Takayasu’s Arteritis

Over time, the swelling can make the artery walls thick and narrow. Then less blood reaches the arms, brain or organs. In some people, the artery wall gets weak and wider instead. The pulse in the wrist can become hard to feel. That is why it is sometimes called “pulseless disease.”

Who Gets Takayasu’s Arteritis?

Takayasu arteritis most often starts in women under 40. But it can also affect men and older adults. It is found all over the world. It is more common in people of Asian descent. No one knows what causes it.

Symptoms of Takayasu’s Arteritis

At first, people may just feel unwell. Later symptoms come from narrowed arteries:

• Tiredness, fever, night sweats or weight loss.
• Pain or tiredness in the arms or legs when you use them.
• A weak pulse or no pulse. Or a different blood pressure in each arm.
• Feeling dizzy, headaches or changes in how you see.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• High blood pressure.

Diagnosis of Takayasu’s Arteritis

A rheumatologist checks the pulse and blood pressure in both arms. They also listen to the arteries with a stethoscope. Blood tests can show inflammation. Scans of the blood vessels show where arteries are narrow or wide. These scans include an ultrasound, a CT angiogram or an MR angiogram.

Treatment of Takayasu’s Arteritis

Treatment aims to stop the swelling and protect blood flow. It usually starts with corticosteroids. Doctors often add other medicines that calm the immune system, including biologic medicines. Your blood pressure is kept under close control. Sometimes an artery is badly narrowed. Then you may need a procedure to open it or to make a path around it. This is done once the swelling is under control.

Living With Takayasu’s Arteritis

• Go to your regular visits and scans, even when you feel well.
• Have your blood pressure checked in both arms.
• Tell your doctor right away about new chest pain, changes in your vision, fainting or arm pain.