Stroke – A Rare Initial Presentation of Takayasu Arteritis

Abstract

Introduction: Now-a-days, young people below age of 40 years without known risk factors are presenting with stroke. The cause of stroke should be found so that recurrence and other complications can be prevented. Case description: An 18-year-old female presented with holocranial headache, focal seizures with impaired awareness and left hemiparesis. The upper limb pulses were absent on both sides, while pulses in lower limbs were present. MRI scan of brain revealed infarct in right middle cerebral artery territory. CT angiography brain showed luminal narrowing in upper limb arteries, carotid artery and vertebral artery. She was treated with antiplatelet drug, tablet carbamazepine, tablet methotrexate with folinic acid and she improved. Discussion: Takayasu arteritis is an inflammatory vasculitis disease causing stenosis in medium and large sized arteries. It can present as stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic insufficiency, retinal ischemia, renal failure and hypertension. Conclusion: Takayasu arteritis is one of the rare causes of stroke, which when detected should be promptly treated to prevent further episodes of stroke and other system complications.