How is Takayasu Arteritis diagnosed?
Imaging is required to make a diagnosis of TA. Angiography was the traditional gold standard for detecting arterial involvement in TA; however, newer modalities are noninvasive and provide greater information about the presence or absence of active inflammation. MRA is the preferred initial modality for the diagnosis of TA, unless an endovascular intervention is anticipated. CTA, FDG-PET, and possibly ultrasound (depending on vessel in question) are also reasonable modalities if MRA is unavailable. All are preferred over angiography. Biopsy is not necessary to establish a diagnosis of TA.
