Who are appropriate doctors to treat Takayasus arteritis?
The most appropriate physicians who can help in the treatment of TA are rheumatologists. Less often cardiologists, specialists in vascular medicine or kidney diseases may become involved. Rheumatologists have taken the leading role in TA because the immunologic abnormalities that cause TA are treated with medications that rheumatologists use for autoimmune diseases. When marked difficulties with hypertension or decreased blood flow become significant issues, nephrologists or vascular medicine specialists may become involved. If someone has significant involvement of the large vessel that leaves the heart (the aorta), cardiothoracic surgeons may also be required to perform surgery and correct irreversible anatomic abnormalities. It is crucial for the rheumatologist to know when this type of team approach should be employed. Most rheumatologists do not have experience with Takayasu’s arteritis. It is even more difficult to identify a team of physicians that would include rheumatologists,
