title: Ocular manifestations of Takayasu arteritis: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To detail the spectrum of eye manifestations in Takayasu arteritis and factors predisposing to its development.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, 61 patients with proven Takayasu arteritis who were identified during a 16-month period were evaluated for disease- and treatment-related eye manifestations. A fundus fluorescein angiography examination was performed where indicated and with the patients consent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean (±standard deviation) duration of illness before ophthalmic evaluation was 55 ± 69 months. Decreased vision was the most common ocular symptom (30%). Thirty-five patients underwent fundus fluorescein angiography examination. Takayasu retinopathy was seen in 9 (15%), ocular ischemic syndrome in 4 (7%), and hypertensive retinopathy in 10 (16%) patients. The most common treatment-related ocular complication was steroid-induced cataract (23%). Other manifestations included iris neovascularization (n = 3), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (n = 2), steroid-induced glaucoma (n = 1), neovascular glaucoma (n = 1), and uveitis (n = 1). Those manifesting Takayasu retinopathy and ocular ischemic syndrome had significantly (P < 0.05) lower blood pressure in both upper limbs compared with patients not manifesting ischemic retinopathy. A significant (P < 0.03) proportion of patients with Takayasu retinopathy and ocular ischemic syndrome had a nonrecordable right upper limb blood pressure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Disease- and treatment-related ocular complications are not infrequent in Takayasu arteritis. Arteritis involving the aortic arch and its branches favors the development of ischemic ocular complications.
authors.affiliation: Schell Eye Hospital, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, India. peterjohnvictor@yahoo.com.au
authors.forename: Jayanthi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peter
authors.forename: Sarada
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: David
authors.forename: Debashish
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Danda
authors.forename: John Victor
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Peter
authors.forename: Saban
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Horo
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Joseph
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D013625:Takayasu Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids