CLINICAL PROFILE OF TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS

Thirty consecutive cases of Takayasu's arteritis (TA) admitted over a period of four years in a large referral hospital were analysed. The extent of aorta and its branches involvement was assessed by a Duplex Doppler study and aortography. The mean age of patients was 24.7 years with the male to female ratio of 1:1.2. The vascular involvement was, Type I (10%), Type II (40%) and Type III (50%). Renal artery (76.6%), Coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries (46.6%) and right common carotid artery (30%) were the commonly involved branches of aorta. Systemic features were seen in 25 per cent cases. Hypertension (83.3%), unequal pulses (80%) and arterial bruit (66.6%) were common clinical features. Stroke (20%), cardiac failure (10%) and renal failure(10%), were the complications seen. Hypertensive retinopathy was common, but Takayasu's retinopathy was not seen.