[5 patients with Takayasu's disease in The Netherlands].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the patients with Takayasu's disease in the University Hospital Nijmegen, and to compare these patients with literature.

DESIGN

Retrospective, descriptive.

SETTING

University Hospital Nijmegen.

METHODS

All patients with Takayasu's disease in the period of 1980-1993 were traced via medical registration codes. These patients are described and compared with the literature.

RESULTS

Five patients with Takayasu's disease were found, 3 women and 2 men, 4 Dutch and I Turkish female. The diagnosis in all patients was made before the age of 21 and confirmed by angiography. Four of the 5 patients presented initially with general complaints, and, except for patient A, all had a pulse or blood pressure difference (left-right) to the disadvantage of the left arm. Occlusion of the left subclavian artery occurred finally in all cases. Four patients had associated diseases as described in the literature. Four of the 5 showed no progression on prednisone therapy. Until now no patient has died, with a mean follow-up of 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Takayasu's disease is rare in the Netherlands. First symptoms are general fatigue and a pulse/blood pressure difference. Early detection by medical history, physical examination and angiography appears beneficial, because early treatment may have a favourable effect on prognosis.