Takayasu's arteritis with associated aortic insufficiency and coronary ostial obliteration.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the presentation, assessment, and management of Takayasu's arteritis (TA), a rare vascular condition exhibited predominantly in females in their second and third decades of life.


METHODS
Thorough review of current scientific literature was obtained from electronic databases and medical journals (CINAHL and PubMed). A case study is presented to illustrate TA, which was reviewed and approved by the Human Subjects Committee for the release of protected health information.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical presentation of TA varies depending on the location of vessel involvement. Diagnosis is challenging because of the complex pathogenesis of TA. The chronic nature of TA requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment of medication regimens. The patient's quality of life is improved with maintenance of TA in a quiescent state.


CONCLUSIONS
Presentation of a young woman with symptoms suggestive of vascular inflammatory changes should prompt consideration of TA within the differential diagnosis.
Castlemain
Theresa M
TM
Kansas University School of Nursing, Overland Park, Kansas 66221, USA. bdcastlemain@comcast.net
D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D013625:Takayasu Arteritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult