Initial clinical and radiological manifestations of patients with Takayasu arteritis

• Grant number: 25/00238-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo
• Grantee: Anisio Uchoa Leite Santana
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction. Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare primary systemic vasculitis that predominantly affects the aorta and its branches. To date, there are limited studies that specifically evaluate the heterogeneous initial clinical manifestations and eventual initial alterations in vascular images, as well as the possible relationship between them; therefore, this restricted scenario motivated us to conduct the present study. Objectives. To characterize the initial clinical and radiological manifestations of a representative sample of patients with TAK and to associate these parameters with each other, as well as with the evolution and prognosis of the patients (clinical and surgical intercurrences, disease recurrence, and mortality). Methods. This is a single-center retrospective cohort study from 2000 to 2024, in which approximately 230 patients with TAK (EULAR/ACR 2022 classification criteria) from the Vasculitis Unity of the Rheumatology Ambulatory Service (HCFMUSP - SP) will be evaluated. Demographic data, initial clinical and laboratory data, radiological images, evolutionary data, and prognoses of the patients will be collected through a systematic analysis of electronic medical records with pre-parameterized and pre-standardized data. Project relevance. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the initial clinical and radiological manifestations of TAK, thus facilitating the early diagnosis of this heterogeneous illness and providing a solid literary basis for future studies. Furthermore, it would aid in defining TAK prognosis.