Cerebrovascular events in Takayasu arteritis: a multicenter case-controlled study

Area of Science:

• Vascular Neurology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis affecting young women, often involving extracranial arteries.
• The prognostic impact of stroke in TA patients remains under-evaluated.
• TA can lead to significant ischemic and inflammatory complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of stroke on the prognosis of Takayasu arteritis.
• To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with stroke in TA patients.
• To assess the safety of carotid surgery in the context of TA.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective multicenter review of patients with Takayasu arteritis and stroke.
• Comparison with a matched cohort of TA patients without neurological involvement.
• Analysis of stroke characteristics, timing, and long-term outcomes.

Main Results:

• 13.5% of TA patients experienced at least one stroke.
• Stroke occurred before or after TA diagnosis, and in some cases, after carotid surgery.
• At follow-up, 59% had neurological impairment, 35% had recurrent stroke, and 24% developed epilepsy.

Conclusions:

• Stroke is a significant cause of long-term disability in Takayasu arteritis.
• Internal carotid artery surgery in TA patients requires careful consideration due to stroke risk.
• Further research is needed to optimize stroke prevention and management in TA.