Aortic dissection in a patient with Takayasu arteritis accompanied by pericardial effusion and atrioventricular...

Patients with Takayasu arteritis may present with aortic dissection; however, pericardial effusion and atrioventricular block are rare manifestations of the disease. We present the case of a 51-year-old male with a 20-year history of ulcerative colitis. Two weeks before surgery, the patient experienced fever, and computed tomography revealed pericardial effusion along with thickening of the aorta, including its cervical branches. Based on clinical presentation and imaging findings, a diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis was established. Additionally, 8 days before surgery, the patient developed a complete atrioventricular block. We performed coronary computed tomography angiography to assess potential coronary artery involvement, which incidentally revealed an ascending aortic dissection. The patient subsequently underwent ascending aortic replacement surgery. The patient subsequently underwent ascending aortic replacement surgery. Although the relationship between these findings and the development to aortic dissection remains unclear, we report two atypical complications of Takayasu arteritis that subsequently progressed to aortic dissection as a third complication. This case emphasizes the importance of identifying atypical manifestations of Takayasu arteritis, as early recognition may facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention.