[5 patients with Takayasu's disease in The Netherlands].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the patients with Takayasu's disease in the University Hospital Nijmegen, and to compare these patients with literature.


METHODS
Retrospective, descriptive.


METHODS
University Hospital Nijmegen.


METHODS
All patients with Takayasu's disease in the period of 1980-1993 were traced via medical registration codes. These patients are described and compared with the literature.


RESULTS
Five patients with Takayasu's disease were found, 3 women and 2 men, 4 Dutch and I Turkish female. The diagnosis in all patients was made before the age of 21 and confirmed by angiography. Four of the 5 patients presented initially with general complaints, and, except for patient A, all had a pulse or blood pressure difference (left-right) to the disadvantage of the left arm. Occlusion of the left subclavian artery occurred finally in all cases. Four patients had associated diseases as described in the literature. Four of the 5 showed no progression on prednisone therapy. Until now no patient has died, with a mean follow-up of 10 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Takayasu's disease is rare in the Netherlands. First symptoms are general fatigue and a pulse/blood pressure difference. Early detection by medical history, physical examination and angiography appears beneficial, because early treatment may have a favourable effect on prognosis.
van den Berkmortel
F W
FW
Academisch Ziekenhuis, Nijmegen, Afd. Algemene Interne Geneeskunde.
Wollersheim
H
H
Heijstraten
F M
FM
Thien
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001027:Aortography; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004176:Dipyridamole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013625:Takayasu Arteritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D004176:Dipyridamole; D001241:Aspirin; D011241:Prednisone
Vijf patiënten met de ziekte van Takayasu in Nederland.