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.