Takayasu arteritis is a rare type of vasculitis that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, causing damage to the aorta vein and its main branches. This disease can clog arteries, cause an aneurysm, cause blood pressure to rise, and lead to heart failure or stroke. It usually affects women between 20 and 40 years old. The diagnosis is based on several imaging tests including positron emission tomography.
Causes of Takayasu arteritis
Lack of knowledge of the causes
It has not been possible to know exactly what causes the arterial inflammation that characterizes Takayasu arteritis. It is likely that it is an autoimmune disease that is activated by external factors such as a viral infection or the presence of another disease. In some cases it is hereditary. The group most affected by this ailment is women under 40 years of age.
Symptoms of Takayasu arteritis
late symptoms
It is possible that many patients do not have any symptoms for a long time and therefore do not know that they have Takayasu arteritis. The first signs of the disease are usually a permanent feeling of tiredness and pain in the muscles of the body. Sometimes fever also appears. As the disease progresses, the arteries narrow and transport less blood and less oxygen and this can cause dizziness and even some fainting. It is also common for the patient to have headaches and difficulty breathing.
The main complications of this disease are:
– Hardening and narrowing of blood vessels.
– Inflammation of the heart.
– Stroke.
– Aneurysm in the aorta.
– Heart attack.
Diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis
Combination of tests
The doctor will review the medical history and perform a physical examination. If he sees signs that may suggest that he has Takayasu arteritis, he will order other tests, such as blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, X-rays, angiograms, and even a positron emission tomography.
Takayasu arteritis treatment and medication
Medication and sometimes surgery
Treatment of Takayasu arteritis is focused on minimizing symptoms. Basically, the aim is to reduce arterial inflammation with medications and cut off the harmful process that is underway. In cases in which the symptoms are practically non-existent, it is very likely that it will not be necessary to follow any treatment, but periodic monitoring will be essential. Medication usually includes corticosteroids and immune system inhibitors.
Only in severe cases in which the arteries have become very narrow can surgery such as bypass, dilation of blood vessels (percutaneous angioplasty), and aortic valve surgery for valve repair or replacement be used.
Takayasu arteritis prevention
Healthy habits
The disease cannot be prevented because the exact causes are not known, but it is clear that leading a balanced life, with moderate physical exercise almost daily and following a healthy diet, helps. On the contrary, we must avoid consuming excessive alcohol and abandon negative habits such as tobacco.
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