Takayasu’s arteritis: A case report and a brief review of the literature
Abstract:
Overview
Takayasu’s arteritis primarily affects young women. The current case report focuses on a Caucasian middle-aged woman who complained of weakness, malaise, and fatigue for as many as 19 years. Delayed diagnosis and lack of specific treatment could explain the extent and the clinical severity of the disease at time of hospital admission. Angiography showed focal narrowings of the abdominal and thoracic aorta and occlusion of both the subclavian arteries, of the right coronary artery and severe stenosis of the first marginal obtuse. Takayasu’s arteritis is not limited to women of Japanese origin but is present worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment is warranted. Outcome appears to be favorable when the disease is quiescent. (Heart International 2006; 2: 66-71)
Keywords
Takayasu’s arteritis, Inflammatory arteritis, Subclavian artery, Coronary artery
Article:
Article Information:
Correspondence
Olivia Manfrini, MD, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Cardioangiologia, Epatologia, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, 9 (Padiglione 11), 40139 Bologna – Italy, olivia.manfrini@unibo.it