
Takayasu arteritis
Takayasu arteritis is a rare inflammatory disease that primarily affects large blood vessels, especially the aorta and its major branches. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks these blood vessels, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, fever, and pain or weakness in arms and legs. This inflammation can cause narrowing or blockage of blood flow, which may lead to serious complications. The exact cause is unknown, but it predominantly affects young women. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, and treatment often includes medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
Additional Insights
-
Takayasu arteritis is a rare inflammatory disease that primarily affects large blood vessels, particularly the aorta and its main branches. It leads to the narrowing or blockage of these vessels, which can restrict blood flow to vital organs. Symptoms often include fatigue, weight loss, fever, and pain or pulsing issues in the arms or legs. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought to involve an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Treatment usually involves medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms, and sometimes surgery may be necessary.