Takayasu arteritis (pulseless disease) is a granulomatous vasculitis affecting large vessels. It predominantly affects which vessels and which demographic?

• A Temporal/cranial arteries; elderly patients (>50 years) with jaw claudication
• B Aorta and its major branches; young Asian women (<40 years) ✓
• C Medium-sized arteries sparing the lung; middle-aged men with ANCA
• D Small vessels and capillaries; children with purpuric rash and arthritis

Explanation

Takayasu arteritis (type IV large-vessel vasculitis by Chapel Hill nomenclature) affects the aorta, aortic arch branches (subclavian, carotid, renal arteries) and pulmonary arteries, predominantly in young Asian women under 40 years. It causes arm claudication, 'pulseless' disease, and renovascular hypertension. Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis) affects older adults >50 years.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.