[An elderly patient with Takayasu's arteritis associated with antiphospholipid antibodies]

We report a patient with Takayasu's arteritis associated with antiphospholipid antibodies. An 84-year-old woman gradually developed gait and visual disturbances, dementia, myocardial infarction, and gangrene in all four limbs during a period of 8 years. Persistent inflammatory signs also continued for at least 8 years. Positive reaction for lupus anticoagulant by the diluted Russel viper venous time and positive reactions for cardiolipin antibodies were confirmed. However, she did not develop SLE. MR angiography revealed multiple and extensive occlusive changes in large vessels such as the aorta and its major branches. We believe antiphospholipid antibodies may have been related to severe occlusive vasculopathy in this patient.