Arteritis

Arteritis is a vascular disorder characterized by inflammation of the walls of arteries,[1] usually as a result of infection or autoimmune responses.

[4] Angiography is commonly used in the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis,[4] especially in the advanced stages of the disease, when arterial stenosis, occlusion, and aneurysms may be observed.

[4] Computed tomography angiography can determine the size of the aorta and its surrounding branches, and can identify vessel wall lesions in middle to late stages of arteritis.

[4] Magnetic resonance angiography is used to diagnose Takayasu arteritis in the early stages, showing changes such as the thickening of the vessel wall.

[4] Even small changes may be measured, making MRA a useful tool for monitoring disease progression without exposing patients to the radiation of direct angiography or CTA.

[4] MRA is an expensive investigation, and shows calcification of the aorta and distal branches less clearly than other imaging methods.

[4] Ultrasonography is an ideal method of diagnosing patients in early stages of arteritis when inflammation in the vessel walls occurs.

[4] Ultrasonography is a popular first-line investigation for diagnosis because it is relatively quick, cheap, noninvasive, and does not expose patients to radiation.

Both types contain an occupancy of medium- and larger-sized arteries which are categorized based on the infiltration of the giant cells.

[3] Takayasu arteritis is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects the larger vessels such as the aorta and its surrounding branches.

The first-line treatment for arteritis is oral glucocorticoid (steroid) medication, such as prednisone, taken daily for a period of three months.