Takayasu arteritis affects large vessels in young women and is classified as a large-vessel vasculitis. The characteristic histological finding in the active phase is:

• A Fibrinoid necrosis and neutrophilic infiltration of small vessel walls
• B Eosinophilic infiltration of vessel walls in a patient with asthma and eosinophilia
• C Leukocytoclastic vasculitis with IgA deposits on immunofluorescence
• D Granulomatous inflammation with giant cells involving the adventitia and media of the aorta and its branches ✓

Explanation

Takayasu arteritis (pulseless disease) is a granulomatous large-vessel vasculitis that primarily affects the aorta and its major branches, predominantly in young Asian women. Histology shows transmural granulomatous inflammation with Langhans giant cells, lymphohistiocytic infiltrates, and medial fibrosis in the active phase, progressing to intimal fibrosis and luminal stenosis. Fibrinoid necrosis characterizes ANCA vasculitis and PAN. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) involves eosinophilia.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.