A CASE REPORT ON TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS

Abstract

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare large-vessel vasculitis that affects large arteries, mainly the aorta and its branches. It is also called a pulseless disease because of diminished or absent pulses in the upper extremities of the patient. The coronary, pulmonary and renal arteries are also affected in the progression of the disease. The prevalence of the disease is more in Asian countries and it has unknown etiopathogenesis. Here we discuss a case of TA in a 15 y old girl who was admitted with moderate LV dysfunction. The diagnosis was carried out from the results of CT aortogram which showed stenosis of right common carotid, left subclavian, left vertebral artery, right renal artery and lower lobe pulmonary arteries and other clinical examinations. Treatment was initiated with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide along with symptomatic treatment. But the disease progressed with the development of complications like peripheral leg ulcers. The patient was initiated palliative care in view of altered sensorium and severe LV dysfunction, but the patient succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest. Early identification and initiation of aggressive treatment can help in symptom-free survival.