Takayasu Arteritis Masquerading as Acute Ischaemic Stroke in a Young Patient: A Case Report

Takayasu Arteritis (TA) is a form of vasculitis that involves large vessels. It is quite unusual for patients suffering from TA to present with an acute stroke as the initial symptom. This case involves a 40-year-old woman who presented with weakness of her limbs on the left-side and aphasia since the morning. There was no pulse in the left radial and brachial arteries; however, the left carotid and subclavian arteries had a bruit. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and digital subtraction angiography were performed, and based on the results a diagnosis of TA was made. A multidisciplinary treatment approach was planned, and different drugs were administered to the patient, along with appropriate advice for follow-up after a month. The patient successfully underwent stenting for the lesion, and the treatment regimen included Ecospirin, Atorvastatin, methotrexate, and prednisone daily. Computed Tomography (CT) angiograms were conducted to monitor the progression of the vascular disease. The risks and benefits of potential complications in managing long-term care must be cautiously assessed. Early recognition and timely treatment are crucial for the patient’s survival. Hence, it is important to consider TA as a differential diagnosis in young patients and to remain alert to the nonspecific symptoms of TA.