Clinical profile and long-term outcomes of pediatric-onset Takayasu's arteritis: data from a mexican national referral center.

BACKGROUND: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a granulomatous inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects the aorta and its branches, including the coronary and pulmonary arteries. Diagnosis in pediatric age is late because the initial manifestations are nonspecific. METHODS: Objective: Describe demographic, epidemiological, clinical characteristics, aortic and cardiovascular damage of patients with TA in pediatric age, and status in adult life. Retrospective study between 1988 and 2023. All children met the EULAR/PRINTO/PRES criteria for pediatric TAK. The records of symptom onset, type of angiographic lesion, surgical or interventional procedures, evolution, and status were reviewed. RESULTS: The median was 12 years, with Q1-Q3 (8-15). Predominant symptoms were fatigue 29%, angina in 12%, Arterial hypertension in 53%, congestive heart failure in 12%, and stroke in 12%. The most common angiographic classification of Hata was type V, associated with a pulmonary artery lesion (V + P) in 6 (12%) and a coronary artery lesion (V + C) in 4 (8%). Forty-one patients (84%) reached adulthood; 5 (10%) discontinued care in childhood, so their prognosis is unknown. CONCLUSION: The timely identification of TA in children is a challenge that requires clinical art. Timely medical and interventional management allows a better prognosis and long-term survival.