Co-occurrence of Takayasu′s arteritis and tuberculosis: Report of a Tunisian pediatric case

Abstract

Few reports on co-occurrence of Takayasu′s arteritis (TA) and tuberculosis (Tb) have been published in childhood. A 12-year-old girl presented with 4-month′s history of a dry cough, persistent fever, marked weakness, and weight loss. Physical examination revealed impalpable peripheral pulses and unrecordable blood pressure (BP) on upper limbs. In lower limbs, peripheral pulses were normal and BP reached respectively 160/90 and 140/87 mmHg. Laboratory investigations showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate at 140 mm in the 1 st h and microcytic anemia (8.6 g/dl). Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography revealed significant thickening of the aortic-arch and both common carotid arteries wall, with luminal narrowing of the right common carotid and its branches and severe stenosis of the left subclavian artery. Simultaneously, the diagnosis of active pulmonary Tb was achieved based on radiological data, positive Mantoux test and successful response to antitubercular drugs. During follow-up, corticostetroids and methotrexate were required to control TA relapses.

Keywords

• Child
• takayasu arteritis
• tuberculosis