Cardiac CT Appearances

Takayasu Arteritis (Aortitis) CT Findings

• Early (active) stage: concentric mural thickening of the involved arteries
• Late (occlusive) stage: can develop arterial stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysmal dilatation in association with the mural thickening

Other Information About Takayasu's Aortitis

Etiology:

• Unknown

Epidemiology:

• Strong majority are in females
• 2nd-6th decade of life
• More common in people of Asian and Mexican ancestry

Presentation:

• Diminished or absent pulse
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• May be asymptomatic

Prognosis:

• TA with complications has a poor prognosis
• TA without complications has a good prognosis

Related Lectures:
CT Evaluation of Vasculitis: Key Imaging Findings - Part 1