Diagnostic Features, Treatment, and Outcomes of Takayasu Arteritis in a US Cohort of 126 Patients

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes in a longitudinal cohort of patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Patients and Methods We retrospectively studied patients with newly diagnosed TAK evaluated from January 1, 1984, through December 31, 2009. Results The cohort included 126 patients who were predominantly white (85/103; 82.5%) and female (115/126; 91%). The median age at diagnosis was 31.6 years (interquartile range, 22.9-39.8 years). Median delay in diagnosis was 17.5 months (interquartile range, 7-41.8 months). Thirty-one patients (25%) were 40 years or older at diagnosis. Median delay in diagnosis for patients 40 years or older was 44.8 months compared with 28.3 months for those younger than 40 years ( P Conclusion There continues to be an unacceptably long delay in the diagnosis of TAK. Awareness of TAK in patients older than 40 years is needed. Morbidity was high despite immunosuppressive treatment. Survival was decreased in this cohort.