Takayasu's arteritis: Difference between revisions

[[Laser Doppler imaging]] by near-infrared [[digital holography]] can reveal characteristic blood flow waveforms in the central artery and vein of the retina in patients with vascular insufficiency who may exhibit a smooth systo-diastolic [[pulse]] in the [[central retinal artery]]. This technique enables non invasive functional [[microangiography]] by high-contrast measurement of endoluminal blood flow profiles in vessels in the posterior segment of the eye with a spatial resolution comparable to state-of-the-art [[indocyanine green]] angiography.{{cn|date=October 2020}}

 

[[File:Takayasu arteritis.JPG|thumb|Axial T1-weighted post-[[MRI contrast agent#Gadolinium(III)|gadolinium MRI]] in a patient with Takayasu arteritis showing thickened, enhancing aortic wall, consistent with large vessel vasculitis]]

Although the [[etiology|cause]] of Takayasu arteritis is unknown, the condition is characterized by segmental and patchy [[granuloma]]tous [[inflammation]] of the aorta and its major derivative branches. This inflammation leads to arterial [[stenosis]], [[thrombosis]], and [[aneurysm]]s.<ref name=emedpedtakay /> There is irregular fibrosis of the blood vessels due to chronic vasculitis, leading to sometimes massive intimal fibrosis (fibrosis of the inner section of the blood vessels).<ref name=kaplan>John Barone, M.D. USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes. "Vascular Pathology." 2008, Kaplan Inc. pg 101.</ref> Prominent narrowing due to inflammation, granuloma, and fibrosis is often seen in arterial studies such as [[magnetic resonance angiography]] (MRA), [[computed tomography angiography]] (CTA), or arterial [[angiography]] (DSA).{{cn|date=October 2020}}