Overview of Imaging in Adult- and Childhood-onset Takayasu Arteritis

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis is an idiopathic large-vessel vasculitis that affects young adults and children and can lead to ischemia and end-organ damage. Vascular imaging is crucial for diagnosis, assessment of disease extent, and management of the disease. Here we critically review evidence for the clinical use of the different imaging modalities: conventional angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, Doppler ultrasound, and ¹⁸fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. We thereby focus on their clinical applicability, challenges, and specific use in children.

Keywords: Takayasu arteritis; angiography; imaging; large vessel vasculitis.