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What causes Takayasu's disease?
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Causes of Takayasu's disease
The cause of Takayasu's disease is unknown. Possible causes include infection (particularly tuberculosis), viruses, drug and serum intolerance. There is evidence of a genetic predisposition to non-specific aortoarteritis, as illustrated by the development of the disease in identical twins and the association with HLA Bw52, Dwl2, DR2 and DQw (in the Japanese population).
[ Pathogenesis of Takayasu's disease
In the pathogenesis of non-specific aortoarteritis, more importance is given to autoimmune mechanisms. Vasa are involved in the pathological processvasorum, media and adventitia of the aorta and large blood vessels in the area of their mouth or proximal sections. Microscopic examination reveals mucoid swelling, fibrinoid necrosis, infiltrative-proliferative cellular reaction and sclerosis of the walls of the affected sections of the vascular system with a characteristic picture of segmental destructive, destructive-proliferative and fibroplastic panaortitis and panarteritis. Destruction of the elastic framework can lead to the formation of aneurysms, and thrombovasculitis and deformation of the vascular lumen - to arterial occlusion, which is clinically manifested by ischemic disorders and asymmetry syndrome or absence of pulse.