Also called pulseless disease.
Granulomatous disease that affects the aorta and its large branches.
Thickening and fibrosis of the vessel walls narrows the lumen.
The
resulting ischemia produces:
– A weak or absent pulse in the extremities (hence the alternative name, "pulseless disease")
– Different blood pressures in the upper extremities (that is, right vs. left), and vascular bruits
– Claudication in the limbs
– Chest pain
– And, possible hypertension, due to renal artery stenosis.
Possible
complications include
aneurysm,
aortic regurgitation, and retinopathy.
Takayasu arteritis is most common in women younger than 40 years old, and seems to be more common in women of Asian descent.
