[Takayasu's arteritis; rare disease with special considerations]

Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic, non-specific inflammation of unknown aetiology, involving the aorta and its main branches. The authors describe the aetiology, pathomechanism, characteristic symptoms and a series of diagnostic criteria. Classifications used in previous decades and nowadays are listed. The therapy--considering the main principles--is individual, and it can be a combination of medical and surgical treatment or percutaneous angioplasty. Takayasu's arteritis is a rare disease in the western countries. There can not be found a specific examination to diagnose it. Mainly in the case of young female patients with inflammation of unknown origin for early diagnosis, it is essential to consider this particular disease.