Takayasu's arteritis: Review of epidemiology and etiopathogenesis

Abstract

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a systemic large vessel chronic inflammatory disease affecting the aorta and its branches. Epidemiological data on the prevalence of TA are limited to the hospital-based studies. The prevalence, clinical features and outcomes of TA vary across the globe. Although TA is reported from all parts of the world, the prevalence of the disease appears to be high in oriental countries especially in Japan, India, Korea, and Thailand. The exact pathogenesis of the disease is unknown but an ongoing research is being carried out in the immunological and genetic aspects of the disease. HLA Bw52, cytotoxic T cells, and antiendothelial cell antibodies are significant highlights in the pathogenesis of TA. The exact antigenic targets of the immune system are still unknown. We attempt a review of the available literature on epidemiology and etiopathogenesis of TA.