title: Takayasu's disease in a young black boy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Takayusu's disease is a rare disease affecting women predominantly during the child- bearing age. It is a primary vasculitis condition of large-vessels that responds well to steroid therapy. Immunosuppressives and vascular reconstruction may be needed as necessary.
  
  
  METHODS
  Reference was made to the case note of this young boy who was being co-managed by cardiology and vascular clinics. The diagnosis of Takayasu's disease was confirmed by the rheumatology unit and appropriate literature search was done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Takayusu's disease responds well to steroid therapy as exemplified by this patient. There was no relapse of the active inflammation after six months of steroid therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A high index of suspicion must be exercise in diagnosing Takayasu's disease. It could be difficult to have a clue early in the disease process because of non-specific presentations. Appropriate referral should however be made to Rheumatologist when the diagnosis is suspected. This will go a long way in delaying the morbidity that is associated with this rare disease.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Oguntona
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044383:Black People; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013625:Takayasu Arteritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011239:Prednisolone