TAKAYASUS DISEASE
or
(Pulseless Disease)
It is a non specific arteritis involving the aortie arh and peripheral vessels of young females of the eastern portion of
the globe (Asians) Exact actiology is unknown but it may have an autoimmune basis Clinically it presents witlh
of weight, arthralgia, night sweats, etc Gracdually features of aortic arch involvement appear lurred vision, syncope, pain
along the carotid artery with murmur and poor pulsation may develop. Lower limb vessels and renal arteries may also be
involved giving rise to a syndrome akin to coarc tation of the aorta. When the aortic arch is involved along with renal artery
patient will have hypertension with absence of pulse in the upper limb called reversed coarctation syndrome. Pundoscopic
examination may reveal a wreath-like anastomosis around the optic disc which was first described by the Japanese
ophthalmologist Takayasu Treatment No specific treatment is available Only anti-coagulant, and steroid
may be helpful. In advanced disease arterial graft may be require.
