Takayasu arteritis in a young woman: a 4-year case history.
Takayasu arteritis is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune, idiopathic, large-vessel vasculitis that usually affects young adults. The disease has been reported to occur in all races and ethnicities. The diffuse nature of this vasculitis can affect multiple-organ systems to varying degrees. Herein, we report the case of a young woman whose exertional angina and claudication were the initial presentation of active Takayasu arteritis. During more than 4 years of ongoing treatment, therapy, and follow-up, she has displayed differing disease symptoms of varying intensity. We discuss the challenges of managing Takayasu arteritis in our patient and describe different treatments for this rare vasculitic disorder.
Saab
Fadi
F
Division of Cardiology, Baystate Medical Center-Tufts University School of Medicine, Springfield, Massachusetts 01199, USA. fadi.saab@bhs.org
Giugliano
Robert P
RP
Giugliano
Gregory R
GR
D000328:Adult; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000209:etiology; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000209:etiology; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013625:Takayasu Arteritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents