How does Takayasu arteritis develop?
The cause of Takayasu arteritis is unknown. It is clear, however, that the immune system plays a critical role in the tissue damage caused by the disease. The immune system produces antibodies that attack the body, causing inflammation to develop in the blood vessels. Inflammation in blood vessel and artery walls leads to narrowing of the vessels. The blood vessels become leaky or clogged, disrupting blood flow to nerves, organs and other parts of the body. Inadequate blood supply to a particular tissue or organ can result in permanent damage such as loss of pulse points and pulmonary failure. Any organ or combination of organs in the body can be affected. What are the symptoms of Takayasu arteritis? Symptoms of this disease can be divided into two phases: a systemic phase and an occlusive phase. In the systemic phase, patients have symptoms that may include fever, fatigue, weight loss, osteoarthritis and non-specific aches and pains. There may be tenderness of affected arteries. In th
