[Clinical analysis of 57 patients with Takayasu's arteritis]

To analyze the characteristics of vascular involvement in Takayasu's arteritis (TA) patients and explore the differences between the involvements of whole range versus origin of vessels and those whose origin of vessels were involved.

A total of 57 TA patients were divided into the origin and whole range groups according to their CTA (computed tomography angiography) examination reports. Then a retrospective analysis was performed on their clinical data.

(1) TA had a female dominance of 1:10.4. The TA-extensive type was the most common type. And carotid and subclavian arteries were the most common sites of involvement. (2) The ratio of whole range and origin groups was 1.28:1. The delay of whole range group from the onset to a correct diagnosis was longer than that of origin group (P < 0.05). The rate of aortic arch type in whole range group was less than that in origin group (P < 0.05). (3) More patients in whole range group had the initial symptom of headache than those in origin group, as well as the subsequent symptoms of claudication, weight loss and urination problems (P < 0.05). (4) 37.5% of patients in whole range group and 64% in origin group had an elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.05).

Patients with whole range of arteries involved in TA are common. With atypical clinical manifestations and a low positive rate of CRP, a diagnostic delay is an important issue. Thus due attention should be paid to its clinical diagnosis and treatment.