Exploring the Correlations between Initial Clinical and Radiological Manifestations in Takayasu's Arteritis
Anísio Uchoa Leite Santana1, Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo1
1Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP - Brasil.
Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|February 4, 2026
Summary
Limb claudication in Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) indicates significant vascular damage and delayed diagnosis. Despite high remission rates, ongoing monitoring is crucial due to progressive vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Initial clinical and imaging findings in Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) are not well-established.
- Understanding these early indicators is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define initial manifestations of TAK.
- To explore associations between these manifestations and disease progression.
- To evaluate long-term outcomes in a cohort of TAK patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 149 patients diagnosed with TAK between 2000 and 2024.
- Analysis of clinical symptoms, imaging findings (stenosis, occlusions), and long-term outcomes.
- Statistical analysis to identify predictors of specific symptoms and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 92.6% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis, with limb claudication being frequent.
- Advanced vascular damage, including stenosis (85.9%) and occlusions (52.3%), was common.
- Reduced pulses and specific artery lesions predicted limb claudication; 26.8% required surgery despite 91.3% remission.
Conclusions:
- Limb claudication serves as a key indicator of advanced radiological damage and diagnostic delay in TAK.
- A disconnect exists between high clinical remission rates and persistent vascular disease progression.
- Vigilant long-term monitoring is essential for patients with Takayasu's arteritis.
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