What is the cause of Takayasu arteritis?
A specific cause has not been found, but it may be of an autoimmune cause. [Autoimmune disorder is a condition when the body starts fighting against its own body’s cells]. It has been linked to rheumatic fever, streptococcal infections and rheumatoid arthritis. Majority of cases are seen in Asia and Africa though it occurs worldwide. How is the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis made? The clinical presentation of absent pulses may lead to a suspicion of Takayasu’s arteritis. An ultrasound of the aorta and its branches can show narrowing of the vessels that can be confirmed by angiography. Ultimate diagnosis would be by biopsy of the affected vessel. Other laboratory abnormalities that may be seen are elevated ESR, mild anemia and increased white cell count. What is the treatment of Takayasu’s Arteritis? Steroids (Glucocorticoids) are the main stay of therapy. When patients fail to respond to steroid therapy, other drugs that suppress immunity such as cyclophosphamide and methotrexate have
