Challenges with Takayasu's arteritis: a case study.

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a systemic vasculitis that involves an autoimmune-mediated transmural degeneration of the aorta and its major branches, leading to severe arterial stenoses or occlusions with subsequent cerebral, cardiopulmonary, mesenteric, renal, or limb ischemia. Patient history and physical examination, arteriography, magnetic resonance imaging, and specific laboratory tests facilitate the diagnosis of TA. Major treatments for the condition include the use of corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents, antiplatelet drugs, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), and surgical revascularization. Major nursing interventions for TA include teaching the patient and family about the progression and treatments of TA and performing periodic patient assessments for manifestations of systemic vasculitis, alterations in tissue perfusion, and alterations in coping.