Abdominal pain as the presenting symptom of Takayasu arteritis in an adolescent male: A case report

An unusual case of takayasu arteritis presenting as acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke

Introduction

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is well-known yet rare disorder, defined as a chronic large vessel vasculitis mainly involving the aorta and its major branches. We present a complex case of a 51-year-old female patient who first presented with acute myocardial infarction as an initial manifestation of Takayasu arteritis, and later with an acute onset of ischemic stroke.

Case report

We present a case of 51-year-old female patient who was admitted at the Clinic of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology. During hospitalization, a sudden onset of intense chest pain occurred, followed by a development of heart failure to the level of cardiogenic shock. Electrocardiography showed signs of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) of the anterior wall, and an increase in cardiospecific enzymes. CT angiography indicated an occlusion of the left common carotid artery (ACC), subclavian and axillary arteries as well as a penetrating aortic ulcer localized infrarenal. In the further course of treatment, left-sided weakness of the body was registered. Head CT scan showed an acute ischemic lesion high parietal on the right, as well as a chronic ischemic lesion on the front right. Doppler ultrasonography of carotid and vertebral arteries registered left occlusion, right ACC/external carotid artery (ACE) stenosis with suspected "macaroni sign". Final diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis was established and corticosteroids were included in the therapy (primarily in pulse doses) with the first pulse of cyclophosphamide of 1000mg.

Conclusion

This disease should be considered in female patients who present with chronic inflammation and acute coronary syndrome.

Takayasu Arteritis Complicated by Ischemic Colitis: A Case Report

Takayasu arteritis is an inflammatory disease of the aorta and its major branches, which results in stenosis and aneurysm formation. Lesions of the abdominal aorta and renal arteries are common. Nevertheless, lesions of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries are less common. Since the inferior mesenteric artery is usually preserved and functions as a collateral pathway, developing intestinal ischemia is very rare in patients with Takayasu arteritis. In this study, we report the case of a patient with Takayasu arteritis complicated by ischemic colitis. The patient was treated with surgical repair, which resolved the patient’s symptoms.

Overview of imaging in adult- and childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis

Takayasu Arteritis is an idiopathic large vessel vasculitis, that affects young adults and children and can lead to ischemia and end-organ damage. Vascular imaging is crucial for diagnosis, assessment of disease extent and management of the disease. In this article, we critically review evidence for the clinical use of the different imaging modalities conventional angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, Doppler ultrasound and ¹⁸fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. We thereby focus on their clinical applicability, challenges and specific use in children.

Takayasu's Arteritis with Subcutaneous Nodules in a 4-year -old Child: A Case Report

A 4-year-old girl who presented with pain in the abdomen, subcutaneous nodule, fever and was later diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis . Oral corticosteroid and methotrexate were started. Childhood TA should be kept in differential diagnosis when presented with subcutaneous nodules and increased acute phase reactants.

Acute myocardial infarction as the first manifestation of Takayasu arteritis: A case report

RATIONALE

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the aorta and its major branches. Initial diagnosis is usually difficult due to the highly variable symptoms. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a very rare presentation in patients with TA. Moreover, the choice of early management for these patients is not well established.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 34-year-old woman was taken to the Emergency Department of our hospital, presenting with a sudden onset and persistent retrosternal chest pain radiating to both upper extremities for 2 hours. Blood pressures were different between 2 arms with 151/115 mm Hg on the right arm and 140/100 mm Hg on the left arm.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed with TA according to the medical history, physical examination, and vascular imaging.

INTERVENTIONS

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) was performed to restore the coronary flow of left anterior descending. Meanwhile, combination of oral glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents was administered to halt disease progression of TA.

OUTCOMES

Chest pain was relieved without rest and exertional angina. The patient achieved long-term remission without symptom relapse during our follow-up.

LESSONS

Percutaneous coronary intervention was essential and effective in AMI of TA. Timely immunosuppressive therapy could improve the long-term outcome.