Which of the following statements about Takayasu's disease is/are correct?

B. It primarily affects patients of Asian descent.

C. It is a nonspecific arteritis affecting the thoracic and abdominal aorta and its major branches.

D. The disorder is also characterized by systemic symptoms, including fever, malaise, arthritis, and pericardial pain

DISCUSSION: While it may affect others, Takayasu's disease occurs primarily in those of Asian descent and usually attacks young females. It is basically a nonspecific arteritis involving all layers of the arterial wall with proliferation of connective tissue and degeneration of elastic fibers. Clinical manifestations include fever, malaise, arthritis, and pericardial pain. Some believe that it may be an autoimmune disease, and steroids have been effective in some patients. Late manifestations include ischemia of both cerebral and upper extremity circuits. While surgical management is occasionally successful, it usually is not recommended except for patients with disabling symptoms.