Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare form of vasculitis that causes inflammation in the walls of large arteries.
Inflammation leads to narrowing of the arteries, which can reduce blood flow to many parts of the body. TAK can result in a weak pulse or the loss of a pulse in the arms or legs. It is also known as “pulseless disease.”
Common symptoms of TAK are fever, fatigue, and leg or arm pain with activity. Some patients with TAK may have no symptoms at all until the disease is very advanced. A doctor may suspect TAK if there are different blood pressures in the left compared to the right arm or if a pulse is not felt at all in the arms or legs.
TAK needs treatment to prevent damage to the arteries. Yet, the narrowing that has already occurred often does not improve. Steroids are an important part of treatment for TAK in addition to other medications that will allow the steroids to be tapered or discontinued. These medicines include methotrexate, azathioprine, drugs that block tumor necrosis factor (such as adalimumab or infliximab), and other biologics like tocilizumab. Low-dose aspirin may be necessary for some patients with narrowing of blood vessels to the brain. Surgery may be necessary to open narrowed arteries. Therapy for TAK also includes treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol if these problems are present.
TAK is a chronic disease and will need long-term treatment. Some patients have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but others are disabled or need surgery. Because TAK can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, and stroke, patients with TAK should talk to their doctor about ways to lower the risk of these serious problems. Blood pressure measurement is often not correct in the arm because of blocked arteries. So, a health care professional may need to measure your blood pressure in your leg. More information about TAK can be found on the Vasculitis Foundation’s website.
Source:
American College of Rheumatology. Takayasu Arteritis.
https://rheumatology.org/patients/takayasu-arteritis
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This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your condition.
