Takayasu's arteritis

Takayasu's arteritis (TA), also known as Takayasu's disease, aortic arch syndrome, nonspecific aortoarteritis, and pulseless disease,^[2] is a rare, chronic form of large-vessel granulomatous vasculitis^[3] that causes inflammation in the walls of major arteries. The disease affects the aorta (the main blood vessel leaving the heart) and its branches, as well as the pulmonary arteries.^[4]

Inflammation can lead to narrowing (stenosis), occlusion (complete blocking), or weakening and dilution (aneurysm) of affected arteries, restricting blood flow and leading to symptoms such as limb claudication, hypertension, and neurologic or visual disturbances.^[4]

Takayasu's arteritis most commonly affects young or middle-aged women, particularly those of Asian descent, though it can occur in any population. Females are approximately 8–9 times more likely to be affected than males.^[3][5] Because of the involvement of the aortic arch branches, physical examination may reveal absent or weakened pulse in the arms, hence the term "pulseless disease."

In the Western world, atherosclerosis is a more common cause of large vessel obstruction particularly in older individuals,^[3] whereas Takayasu's arteritis is more frequently seen in younger patients and may resemble other vasculitides such as giant cell arteritis.