Takayasu Arteritis: A Case Presenting With Neurological Symptoms and Proteinuria

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Neurology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Takayasu arteritis is a large vessel vasculitis affecting the aorta and its branches.
• It commonly presents in young women with constitutional symptoms and signs of arterial stenosis or occlusion.
• Diagnostic challenges arise due to its protean manifestations and potential overlap with other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Observation:

• An 18-year-old female initially presented with symptoms suggestive of central nervous system vasculitis and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
• Extensive investigations were performed to elucidate the underlying pathology.
• The clinical course and diagnostic workup led to a revised diagnosis.

Findings:

• The patient was ultimately diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis.
• This diagnosis explained the multisystem involvement initially attributed to separate conditions.
• The case underscores the diagnostic complexities in young patients with vasculitic syndromes.

Implications:

• Accurate and timely diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis is crucial for appropriate management and prevention of severe complications.
• This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for Takayasu arteritis in young females presenting with seemingly unrelated neurological and renal manifestations.
• It highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to differentiate Takayasu arteritis from mimic conditions, optimizing patient outcomes.