Takayasu arteritis
Evidence: Unconfirmed
Names
Takayasu arteritis
Takayasu’s arteritis
Description
Takayasu arteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the aorta and other nearby blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It is a form of autoimmune vasculitis in which the immune system attacks the cells in the artery walls causing inflammation, which leads to a thickening of the blood vessel walls that make it difficult for blood to flow properly.
Takayasu arteritis is similar to giant cell arteritis, which affects arteries in the head.
Patient Groups
Bloggers
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Prevalence
US Cases: 1,500 [Watts 2009].
Typical Age of onset
Takayasu arteritis is rare but most frequently affects women under age 40.
Symptoms
Fatigue
Fever
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Growth or lump under the skin
Weight loss
Migraine headaches
Muscle weakness
Seizures
Skin sores (ulcers)
References
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
Mayo Clinic
Profile by Neha Ramjuttun and Aaron Abend
