2023-11-20 09:43:53
Takayasu arteritis (TAk) is a type of large vessel vasculitis that causes chronic inflammation of the aorta artery and its main branches. Its diagnosis is usually delayed quite a bit. For this reason, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) has launched the campaign “Name rheumatism” that aims to make this disease visible among the population.
Takayasu arteritis is a large vessel vasculitis. Image provided by SER
The arteritis de Takayasu (ATk) is a systemic autoimmune disease. It is classified as a large vessel vasculitis and is characterized by chronic inflammation of the aorta artery, as well as its main branches. It causes narrowing and dilation of the affected arteries or weakening of
your wall.
In an interview given to EFEsalud, Dr. Javier Loricera, rheumatologist at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital in Santander and spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), explains that Cause of the disease is unknown, although genetic and infectious factors they play an important role.
What symptoms do you have?
Takayasu arteritis manifests itself slow and progressive. It is very common that there is a long delay in the diagnosis of the disease for this reason.
The first symptoms may be fever, headache, tiredness and dizziness. Normally vascular involvement appears afterwards. Besides, hypertension, which can lead to heart failure, It is common in patients with this disease. In addition, Muscle and joint pain can also appear in the symptomatological picture of the disease.
In the opinion of the specialist, “monitoring by a multidisciplinary team (Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Radiology…), orchestrated by the rheumatologist, is essential to monitor the evolution of the disease, in which imaging plays a key role. The management of this vasculitis is complex due to its recurrence, the complications derived from the treatment and the vascular injuries to which it is treated.
associates.”
EFE/Andreu Dalmau
Your diagnostic process
“The diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is often complex, since the symptoms usually appear little by little, so, unfortunately, a diagnostic delay of months, or even years, after the appearance of symptoms is not uncommon. the first symptoms,” explains Dr. Javier Loricera.
In addition to the symptoms of the disease that must be manifested for diagnosis, An imaging test is necessary to detect this vasculitis.
As the doctor states, About 50% of patients present symptoms such as fatigue, loss of weight and appetite, low-grade fever, and muscle or joint pain.. As the disease develops, a pain in the affected blood vessels and fatigue with the activity of the upper extremities. It is also possible that there may arise vascular murmurs, pulse asymmetry and blood pressure difference between extremities.
So, Imaging tests are essential in this diagnosis of ATk. “The diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis (TkA) is often complex, since the symptoms usually appear little by little, so, unfortunately, a diagnostic delay of months, or even years, after the appearance of symptoms is not uncommon. the first symptoms,” explains Dr. Loricera.
Lastly, regarding laboratory tests, it should be noted that up to 50 – 70% of patients have an elevation of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. However, the specialist remembers that these parameters are more useful in detecting other types of vasculitis than in this disease.
Where is it most common?
Although ATk has a global distribution, it is true that it is much more common in Asian countries such as Japan and the Middle East, as well as in Africa, Central America and South America. It is much less common in North America and Europe, according to the health professional.
Furthermore, the patient is usually a woman with two or three decades of life. In Europe the appearance is usually a little later and around 40 years.
While it is true that ATk is a global disease, there are places where many more cases are found. EFE/GRB
Does it have an effective cure?
Being a such a complex disease and with an arduous diagnosis process, the treatment is also complex.
The truth is that a Initial treatment with corticosteroids in high doses achieves disease remission in up to 60% of patients. This is why, according to Dr. Loricera, It is recommended to associate a disease-modifying drug with corticosteroids in all patients. With this association, disease control is achieved in practically 80% of patients. The remaining 20% will need biological therapy.
In addition, there are being carried out clinical trials with other drugs in which great hopes have been placed. Despite this, almost 50% of patients need to undergo a revascularization procedure due to the narrowing that usually occurs in the arteries.
affected.
“Name the rheumatism”
The Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), in order to make this disease visible among the population, has launched a campaign called “Name the rheumatism” with an explanatory video.
In order to make this disease visible among the population, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) has made a video on Takayasu arteritis, framed in the awareness campaign ‘Name the rheumatism’, and together with the collaboration of the Takatasu Arteritis Association in Spain.
Video made by SER
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