Takayasu arteritis in 25-years-old man – case report

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis also referred to as pulseless disease, or aortic arch syndrome is the systemic large vessels vasculitis. The cause of this is uncertain, but immunologic, genetic, and environmental factors have been suggested. This disorder occurs especially among young women. It leads to inflammatory infiltration, stenosis, or occlusion of the vascular lumen. Initial systemic illness with malaise, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatique are uncharacteristic. Further manifestation of the disease is due to ischaemia. X-ray arteriography is the diagnostic “gold standard”, recently replaced by computed angiotomography or magnetic resonance angiography. Elevation of the erythrocyte sendimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 are the crucial laboratory tests in monitoring the activity of the disease. Acute-phase signs are dramatically relieved by immunosuppresive therapy. Early immunosuppressive treatment may reduce vascular complication. Invasive therapy like percutaneous balloon angioplasty and surgical procedures play a major role in late stages. We described a patient 25 years of age with Takayasu disease, revealed by the absent pulse on one of limb. The computed angiotomography was crucial to confirm the presence and severity of the inflammation of aortic walls and left subclavian artery occlusion. The immunosuppressive treatment resulted in symptoms and aortic inflammation relieving. Occluded arteries diameters remained unchanged.