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Takayasu arteritis: challenges in diagnosis and management
Esther S H Kim1, Joshua Beckman1
1Cardiovascular Division, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|November 28, 2017
Summary
Takayasu arteritis (TA) survival has improved significantly due to medical advances. However, gaps remain in universally accepted diagnostic criteria and outcome measures for this rare inflammatory disease.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Inflammation
- Rheumatology
- Rare Diseases
Background:
- Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare, serious inflammatory condition primarily affecting large arteries, predominantly in young women.
- While mortality rates have declined significantly, TA still presents challenges due to high morbidity and potential for severe arterial complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight improvements in Takayasu arteritis survival and diagnosis over time.
- To identify persistent gaps in diagnostic criteria, disease activity assessment, and outcome measures for TA patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and recent patient data to assess survival rates and diagnostic trends.
- Analysis of current challenges in diagnosing and managing Takayasu arteritis.
Main Results:
- A notable increase in 15-year survival rates for Takayasu arteritis patients, from 82.9% (1957-1975) to 96.5% (1976-1990).
- Decreased severity of arterial complications and diagnostic delays in the last decade attributed to advanced imaging and therapies.
Conclusions:
- Advances in diagnostics and treatment have improved outcomes for Takayasu arteritis.
- Essential areas requiring further research include establishing universal diagnostic criteria, accurate disease activity assessment, and clinically relevant outcome measures for TA.
Keywords:
aortitis
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