What is new in management of Takayasu arteritis?

Abstract

Management of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is challenging mostly due to difficulties in assessing actual disease activity. The rational of medical treatment is to suppress both vascular and systemic inflammation with appropriate systemic immunosuppression, including corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive (IS) agents. In case of refractory disease activity, biologic agents such as TNF inhibitors and tocilizumab may be tried. In selected cases, endovascular interventions and surgical procedures may be indicated and should be performed during inactive disease. Among conventional IS agents, new data is available for leflunomide. On the other hand, most of the new information in the management of TAK arises from the growing experience with biologic agents used in resistant cases. Besides, there are potential new therapeutic targets which may be promising in the future for medical treatment of TAK. Finally, new trends in endovascular interventions for management of TAK deserve attention.