Takayasu arteritis

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic, granulomatous inflammation of the aorta and its major branches, in which immune cells infiltrate and damage the vessel wall over time, which can narrow, weaken, or scar these large arteries.

It is considered a rare condition, with research describing an incidence of roughly 1 to 2 cases per million people and a prevalence that varies notably by region, from about 5 to 33 cases per million in Western Europe to a higher 30 to 40 cases per million in parts of Asia. It tends to affect younger adults, especially women of childbearing age, and most often begins during the second or third decade of life. Early symptoms are often vague, such as fatigue and low-grade fever, before more specific vascular symptoms appear as blood flow through affected arteries becomes restricted.

Common signs

Fatigue, fever, and aching joints early on, then later a weak or absent pulse in an arm, differences in blood pressure between the arms, arm or leg pain with use, dizziness, and headaches as blood flow is affected.

This is a plain-language summary for orientation, not a diagnosis. Mechanisms are described as current understanding, not settled fact. Work with your own clinician for your care.