A Registry Study on Biomarkers of Takayasu's Arteritis (ARSBTA)

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic vasculitis mainly involving the aorta and its main branches such as the brachiocephalic, carotid, subclavian, vertebral, and renal arteries, as well as the coronary and pulmonary arteries. Inflammation causes segments of the vessels to become narrowed, blocked, or even stretched, possibly resulting in aneurysms. The disease is very rare but most commonly occurs in young Asian women. However, there is a considerable lack of understanding of the disease mechanism of Takayasu arteritis. Initially, the disease remains clinically silent (or remains undetected) until the patients present with vascular occlusion. Additionally, many individuals with Takayasu arteritis, however, have no apparent symptoms despite disease activity. Therefore, biomarkers for diagnosis and monitor disease activity in individuals with Takayasu arteritis are needed. In this study, the investigators therefore to use different methods to identify new biomarkers for diagnosing or monitoring the disease activity in individuals with Takayasu arteritis. These biomarkers may provide valuable insights into the underlying biochemical processes and aid the understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease.