Long-Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Complications in Takayasu Arteritis

BACKGROUND: Because of the wide variation in the course of Takayasu arteritis (TA), predicting outcome is challenging. We assess long-term outcome and prognosis factors for vascular complications in patients with TA. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of characteristics and outcomes of 318 patients with TA fulfilling American College of Rheumatology and Ishikawa criteria was analyzed. Factors associated with event-free survival, relapse-free survival, and incidences of vascular complications were assessed. Risk factors for vascular complications were identified in a multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study shows that 50% of patients with TA will relapse and experience a vascular complication ≤10 years from diagnosis. We identified specific characteristics that identified those at highest risk for subsequent vascular complications.