A rare case of Takayasu’s arteritis presenting with stroke

Abstract

Takayasu’s arteritis is a chronic inflammatory large vessel vasculitis of unknown aetiology that commonly affects women of child bearing age. It appears to have an acute early phase, with non- specific symptoms such as hypertension, headache, fever, muscle pain, arthralgia, night sweats and weight loss. Stroke, as presenting feature of Takayasu’s arteritis is rare. Our patient presented with brocas aphasia, right hemiplegia and right-sided facial palsy. Physical examination revealed left-sided carotid bruit and absent peripheral pulses. CT angiography showed to have right subclavian, left internal carotid and middle cerebral arteritis. She was treated with immunosuppressive treatment and showed significant improvement. Though subclavian artery involvement is not rare, presentation with stroke is rare.1 Takayasu’s arteritis must be considered as a cause of stroke in young women.

Keywords

• takayasu arteritis
• ischaemic stroke
• vasculitis
• central nervous system