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Blood and immune system diseases

Takayasu arteritis

A rare disease with inflammation of the large arteries. The main artery leaving the heart and its branches can become narrowed. It is most common in young women.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Orphanet has a guideline for emergency doctors for this disease (language: French, Spanish). See on Orphanet

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Blood and immune system diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

The immune system mistakenly attacks the artery wall. The vessel wall becomes inflamed and thickened. Over time, the vessel can narrow, become blocked or widen. This reduces the blood going to the arms, the brain and the organs.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms vary from person to person. They may include:

  • Weakness, fever, night sweats and weight loss
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Pain or weakness when using the arm
  • A weak pulse at the wrist, a difference in blood pressure between the two arms
  • Dizziness and changes in vision
  • High blood pressure

How is it diagnosed?

There is no blood test that confirms the diagnosis. The symptoms and imaging of the blood vessels are assessed together. MRI or CT angiography, ultrasound or PET can be used. Inflammation markers in the blood are useful for follow-up.

Treatment and care

Treatment usually lasts a long time. At first, high-dose cortisone is given, and the dose is lowered over time. Medicines that suppress the immune system and biological medicines are added. A narrowed vessel may need to be opened with a balloon or with surgery. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are important. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

Takayasu arteritis is not considered an inherited disease. The cause is not fully known; some genes may increase the tendency. It usually affects only one person in a family. The chance of brothers and sisters having the same disease is very low.

Source: MedlinePlus: Takayasu arteritis · NHS: Vasculitis · PRINTO/PReS: Nadir Görülen Çocukluk Çağı Birincil Sistemik Vaskülitleri

Key facts

How common is it?
New cases per year: <1 per 1 000 000 (Europe) · Prevalence: 1-9 per 100 000 (Europe)
How is it inherited?
Not inherited
When does it usually start?
Adolescence, Adulthood
Gene(s) involved
HLA-B, IL12B, MLX
Reliable sources
Orphanet

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about Takayasu

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 12 active interventional studies for this disease. 6 are recruiting now; 2 have sites in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Blood and immune system diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:3287 · ICD-11 4A44.1

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.