Takayasu's arteritis with associated aortic insufficiency and coronary ostial obliteration.

PURPOSE: To describe the presentation, assessment, and management of Takayasu's arteritis (TA), a rare vascular condition exhibited predominantly in females in their second and third decades of life.

DATA SOURCES: Thorough review of current scientific literature was obtained from electronic databases and medical journals (CINAHL and PubMed). A case study is presented to illustrate TA, which was reviewed and approved by the Human Subjects Committee for the release of protected health information.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentation of TA varies depending on the location of vessel involvement. Diagnosis is challenging because of the complex pathogenesis of TA. The chronic nature of TA requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment of medication regimens. The patient's quality of life is improved with maintenance of TA in a quiescent state.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Presentation of a young woman with symptoms suggestive of vascular inflammatory changes should prompt consideration of TA within the differential diagnosis.