KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
This case highlights the need for thorough clinical exam to rule out
Takayasu arteritis (TA) as a cause of stroke in a young asymptomatic
East-African male. Available clinical management guidelines should guide
management of TA patients.
INTRODUCTIONTakayasu arteritis, a large vessel vasculitis characterized by
inflammation of the aorta or its branches was first described by
Japanese Ophthalmologist Mikito Takayasu in 1908.(1) Despite initial
case reports and series highlighting most cases in young females of
Asian origin it has since been shown to have a worldwide occurrence
affecting those under the age of 40 years.(2) Clinical presentation in
Takayasu arteritis can be non-specific with protean symptoms that are
potentially difficult to pick. Here, we present a case of a young
African male presenting with a catastrophic cerebrovascular event at
first presentation. We describe his pattern of vascular involvement
compared to other published cases and his management in a resource
limited.