Takayasu Arteritis

This MR angiogram demonstrates findings typical of Takayasu arteritis.
Takayasu arteritis is a granulomatous vasculitis of unknown etiology that commonly affects the thoracic and abdominal aorta. It causes intimal fibroproliferation of the aorta, great vessels, pulmonary and renal arteries and results in segmental stenosis, occlusion, dilatation, and aneurysmal formation in these vessels. TA is the only form of aortitis that causes stenosis and occlusion of the aorta.
TA is found more frequently in Asian populations but has been described in patients of all races. Females comprise 80-90% of patients. In approximately 90% of cases, TA appears in patients younger than 30
years.
This 32YO Asian female has CRF and weak functioning iatrogenic fistula in left upper limb. The cause of malfunction can be explained by narrowing and occlusion of upper limb arteries. Notice also narrowed abdominal aorta.
Reference: emedicine.com
Credit: Dr Ahmed Haroun
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