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Abstract
Twenty four patients of Takayasu arteritis (TA) aged less than 18 years were studied
over a period of 20 years (1978-98). There were 4 males and 20 females with a male:female
ratio of 1:5. The mean age of presentation was 14 years and the disease had a mean
onset of time 4+/-1.5 months prior to admission to the hospital. Hypertension was
the commonest mode of presentation seen in 83% of patients. 16% patients had congestive
heart failure. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 54% patients. Angiographic
findings showed that abdominal aorta was the commonest segment of aorta that was involved
(71% cases). Renal artery was involved in 75% cases. Treatment modalities included
antihypertensive drugs in 19 patients, antitubercular drugs in 7 patients and steroids
in 7 patients. Renal angioplasty was performed in 2 patients with excellent results.
On follow up 2 patients died. The causes of mortality were renal failure and heart
failure in one patient each. The clinical profile of young patients with TA is similar
to that of adults with this disease.