Takayasu Arteritis Presenting as Unexplained Pulmonary Consolidation: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition affecting large arteries, primarily the aorta and its branches.
• Early diagnosis is crucial due to a significant 10-year survival rate of 84%–87%.
• TA predominantly affects young women, particularly in East Asia.

Observation:

• A young woman presented with unexplained pulmonary consolidation, a rare initial symptom for TA.
• Contrast-enhanced CT imaging revealed characteristic findings five years later.

Findings:

• Thickening of the aorta, its branches, and the main and right pulmonary artery (PA) walls.
• Occlusion of the left subclavian artery and left PA.
• Diagnosis of TA confirmed based on imaging findings.

Implications:

• Pulmonary artery involvement is common in TA and can be the primary site of inflammation.
• TA should be considered in the differential diagnosis for young women presenting with unexplained pulmonary consolidation.
• This case underscores the importance of comprehensive imaging and considering rare presentations of TA.