I79.1

Clinical Causes: Autoimmune diseases (such as giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, or rheumatoid arthritis) Infections (including syphilis, tuberculosis, and bacterial infections) Other systemic inflammatory conditions Vasculitis, which involves inflammation of blood vessels Certain medications that may trigger inflammation Unknown causes in some cases

Key Symptoms: Pain in the chest, back, or abdomen Fever and chills Fatigue and general weakness Unexplained weight loss Night sweats Pain that worsens with movement or touch Palpable aortic pulsation in some cases Symptoms of complications such as aneurysm or dissection (if the aorta weakens or tears)

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing aortitis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Elevated inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP often indicate inflammation. Imaging techniques like MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound can visualize the aorta to detect inflammation, thickening, or aneurysm formation. Sometimes, a biopsy may be performed to determine the specific cause of inflammation, especially in cases suspected to be autoimmune or infectious.

Treatment Protocols: Immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) if autoimmune causes are identified Antibiotics or antiviral medications if an infectious cause is confirmed Surgical interventions may be necessary in cases involving aneurysm repair or significant arterial damage Regular monitoring through imaging to assess disease progression and treatment response Lifestyle modifications to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, such as controlling blood pressure and cholesterol