Takayasu's arteritis in Thailand
Piyachon, C.
Australasian Radiology 21(4): 350-361
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-8461 PMID: 31859 Document Number: 116342
Takayasu's arteritis is a disease of protean manifestations and worldwide distribution. Geographic difference of the sex incidence, anatomical distribution and type of lesion was observed. Hypertension was very common. A combination of absent or deficient peripheral pulses and hypertension was commonly encountered. These symptoms correlate well with arteriographic findings of brachiocephalic and renal artery obstructive lesions. While aneurysm and stenotic lesions have a predilection for the abdominal aorta, the ascending aorta is commonly dilated and stenosis of the thoracic aorta occurs more often than aneurysm. Aneurysm of the aorta and of the brachiocephalic arteries was frequently well developed. The presence of funnel-shaped or triangular configuration resulting from renal artery obstructive lesions, prestenotic dilatation and/or contiguous aortic aneurysm is the most likely characteristic of Takayasu's arteritis to occur in this part of the world. Extensive arterial involvement with evidence of lumbar and intercostal occlusion indicates the severity of the disease. Total aortography is of value not only for the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis, but also for demonstration of the anatomical distribution, severity and type of the lesions.