All conditions
Vasculitis & polymyalgia
Takayasu Arteritis
Also known as: Pulseless disease
A rare large-vessel vasculitis that inflames the aorta and its main branches, mostly in women under 40.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it is
Inflammation thickens the walls of the aorta and the arteries to the arms, head and kidneys, which can narrow them or cause aneurysms.
Symptoms
Fatigue, fever and weight loss early on, then arm or leg pain with use, weak or absent pulses, different blood pressures between the arms, dizziness, headaches and high blood pressure.
How it’s diagnosed
Imaging with MR or CT angiography, ultrasound or PET shows vessel wall thickening and narrowing. Inflammatory markers may be raised.
Treatment
Steroids with a steroid-sparing medicine such as methotrexate, a TNF inhibitor or tocilizumab. Procedures to open narrowed arteries are done when the disease is quiet.
Living with it
Blood pressure should be measured in the arm with the strongest pulse. Lifelong imaging follow-up and heart-healthy habits protect the vessels.
At a glance
Category
Vasculitis & polymyalgia
Also known as
Pulseless disease
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
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