Vascular Medicine Conference-CVC 2026

Takayasu Arteritis is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease that targets large blood vessels, most notably the aorta and its primary branches. The resulting inflammation can trigger arterial narrowing, formation of aneurysms, or even complete occlusion, all of which threaten to disrupt the blood supply to critical organs.

Epidemiologically, this condition affects young women far more often than other groups. Early clinical manifestations tend to be non-specific—patients may report persistent fatigue, low-grade fevers, unintended weight loss, and myalgia. As the disease progresses and vascular compromise worsens, more specific signs emerge, such as limb claudication, diminished or absent pulses, and significant discrepancies in blood pressure between limbs.

Diagnosis relies on recognizing characteristic clinical features and confirming them through advanced vascular imaging techniques, such as CT angiography or MR angiography, along with laboratory evidence of systemic inflammation. Prompt identification is essential to minimize the risk of serious complications, including organ ischemia or aneurysmal rupture.

Management is centered on suppressing vascular inflammation and preventing further arterial injury. First-line therapy usually involves high-dose corticosteroids, frequently supplemented by other immunosuppressive agents in refractory cases. Patients presenting with severe stenosis or aneurysms may require surgical or endovascular interventions. With early and appropriate treatment, patients often achieve better vascular outcomes and improved quality of life.