Takayasu Takayasu disease refers to nonspecific aortoarteritis, a fairly rare disease that affects the walls of the aorta and its large branches. It is worth noting that most often this disease affects women. Takayasu's disease, among many autoimmune pathologies, is distinguished by its early onset and the rarity of timely diagnosis. Accordingly, this fact influences the fact that adequate treatment begins much later than it would have been necessary. This fact can lead to disability of patients.


Types of the disease

To date, the clinical environment distinguish the main types of the disease, each of which is characterized by the defeat of different aortas and its branches. It is from these types of lesions that the symptoms are determined. There are 4 types of Takayasu's disease:

  • Type 1 - arteries extending from the arch of the aorta;
  • Type 2 - the arch of the aorta and the arteries emerging from this arch;
  • Type 3 - abdominal aorta, renal arteries;
  • Type 4 is a common aortic lesion.
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It is generally accepted that in the development of this disease, factors such as:

  • are infectious-allergic;
  • autoimmune aggression;

In connection with inflammation on the walls of the vessels may manifest atherosclerotic changes. Very often, small and medium-sized arteries suffer particularly. But the defeat of the arteries of internal organs is not peculiar.

Syndromes and the manifestation of the disease

What characterizes the manifestation of this nonspecific aorto-arteritis? The main feature is the manifestation of specific, atypical inflammatory reactions. Basically, this phase is accompanied by the fact that the patient very often fatigues quickly, there is a general malaise, we can observe increased sweating, as well as an increase in temperature to 37 degrees. Accompanying factors is the occurrence of pain in the joints, palpitation. It is also possible, but not often, the appearance of coughing, hemoptysis, pressing pain in the chest. Accordingly, in the future, weight loss, noticeable weakness, inflammation of the lungs, cardiac muscle( myocarditis), joint damage are observed. It should be noted that the acute stage of Takayasu's disease can last from 3 to 6 weeks, respectively, the disease gradually turns into a chronic stage.

The chronic stage has its own stages of development and the corresponding signs.

  • Syndrome of the defeat of the branches of the arch of the aorta - it is typical for the manifestation of insufficient circulation of the upper limbs and brain. For patients with this syndrome, are characterized by: frequent headaches, episodic fainting, the state of vision deteriorates sharply, there is emotional instability and loss of consciousness. Vessel ischemia is characterized by numbness, cold extremities, general muscle weakness. In some cases, it is possible to observe the development of paralysis, strokes, heart attacks, and circulatory disorders of the brain.
  • The syndrome of stenosis of the thoracic aorta( coarctation) - for him the most typical is cardiac ischemia and insufficient circulation in the vessels of the lower extremities. Clear signs are high blood pressure, accompanying headaches, heartbeat knocked down and the appearance of dyspnea with little physical exertion. If such a syndrome occurs, one can observe myocardial infarction, angina pectoris. A special feature of this type is the difference in systolic pressure, as well as the increase in heart rate on the upper limbs and a low pulse on the lower extremities.
  • Vasorenal hypertension - in short, there are kidneys involved. The main clinical symptoms can be considered arterial hypertension, which became an accompaniment for kidney damage. Because of insufficient blood circulation, kidney failure occurs later.
  • Abdominal ischemia - causes insufficient circulatory system in the abdominal organs. It is characterized by abdominal pain, especially during digestion. It is accompanied by vomiting, frequent nausea, an unstable process of losing weight.
  • Syndrome of aortic bifurcation, more simply - pain in the pelvic organs and lower limbs. Characteristic: pain in the lower limbs, which often turn into limping, noticeable cooling of the limbs, obsessive pains in the gluteal muscles and muscles of the hips. In men, it can manifest impotence, weakening.
  • Coronary Syndrome. Its concomitant factor is angina( frequent and obtrusive pain in the heart), dyspnea and tachycardia. Can lead to myocardial infarction.
  • Pulmonary artery disease syndrome - it is characterized by pain in the chest, frequent coughing attacks and perhaps even hemoptysis.
  • Syndrome of aortic insufficiency. Pain pains in the heart region were typical for him. The appearance of dyspnea in any, even small loads.
  • Syndrome of an aneurysm of the aorta. The process of its development often depends on the location of the aorta and its real dimensions. It is characterized by the manifestation of the compressive pain of internal organs.

It should be noted that Takayasu disease is very long and can progress from 10 to 15 years. Therefore, it is important to determine in time the development of the disease, along with its accompanying syndromes and symptoms. That the most interesting existed clinical cases, when only one syndrome was dominant.

Diagnosis and treatment

For the diagnosis of this type of disease the basis is a clinical blood test. Biochemical analysis is often used to determine the decrease in the level of globulins, albumins, and the like. In certain immunological studies, the general condition of the body is usually examined.

They also perform ultrasound of vessels in order to determine the state of blood vessels, arteries and locate locations. A special place in the diagnostic process is rheoencephalography. Data after its implementation may indicate brain activity.

Regarding the treatment process. Here it is necessary to distinguish two leading goals: to slow down the development of the disease and improve the overall condition of patients. To get good results use the hormone prednisolone, which is used in large quantities and a fairly long period. It is also suggested to use combinations of this hormone with the drug methotrexate. To reduce the risk of heart complications, patients are prescribed antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid. With vascular complications, the question of angio-surgical intervention is solved, indications for vascular plastic surgery are possible.

An especially complex treatment for those with severe arterial hypertension. It is very difficult to determine the actual pressure values ​​for those who have this disease, upper limbs. In such cases, pressure measures are measured on the lower extremities.

But in spite of all this information, before you start self-treatment and make hasty conclusions, it is better to contact specialists who accurately identify your symptoms and determine your course of treatment.