Takayasu Arteritis

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare form of vasculitis which causes inflammation in the walls of large arteries. Inflammation leads to narrowing of the arteries which can reduce blood flow to many parts of the body. TAK can result in a weak pulse or the loss of a pulse in the arms or legs. It is also known as “pulseless disease.”

What Are the Signs/Symptoms?

Common symptoms of TAK are fever, fatigue, and leg or arm pain with activity. Some patients with TAK may have no symptoms at all until the disease is very advanced. A doctor may suspect TAK if there are different blood pressures in the left compared to the right arm or if a pulse is not felt at all in the arms or legs.

What Are Common Treatments?

TAK needs treatment to prevent damage to arteries. Yet, the narrowing that has already occurred often does not improve. Steroids are an important part of treatment for TAK in addition to other medications that will allow the steroids to be tapered or discontinued. These medicines include methotrexate, azathioprine, drugs that block tumor necrosis factor (such as adalimumab or infliximab), and other biologics like tocilizumab. Low-dose aspirin may be necessary for some patients with narrowing blood vessels to the brain. Surgery may be necessary to open narrowed arteries. Therapy for TAK also includes treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol if these problems are present.

Living with TAK

TAK is a chronic disease and will need long-term treatment. Some patients have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but others are disabled or need surgery. Because TAK can cause heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke, patients with TAK should talk to their doctor about ways to lower the risk of these serious problems. Blood pressure measurement is often not correct in the arm because of blocked arteries. So, a health care professional may need to measure your blood pressure in your leg. More information about TAK can be found on the Vasculitis Foundation’s website.

Updated February 2025 by Rebecca Manno, MD, MHS, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.

This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.