Severe deterioration of newly diagnosed Takayasu arteritis in a patient re-treated with interferon beta-1α for concomitant longstanding multiple sclerosis

Mod Rheumatol. 2012 Jun;22(3):474-8. doi: 10.1007/s10165-011-0529-1. Epub 2011 Sep 17.

Abstract

A 52-year-old woman with Takayasu arteritis and a known history of multiple sclerosis had been treated with subcutaneous interferon (IFN) beta-1α. After the re-introduction of the IFN beta-1α, the patient had a gradual worsening of the arteritis, with claudication symptoms in the left arm and increased inflammation markers. An evaluation using Doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic vessels revealed severe stenosis of the left axillary artery. The IFN beta-1α was withdrawn, with prompt clinical and laboratory improvement of the vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Axillary Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Constriction, Pathologic / diagnostic imaging
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon beta-1a
  • Interferon-beta / adverse effects*
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Retreatment
  • Takayasu Arteritis / chemically induced*
  • Takayasu Arteritis / complications
  • Takayasu Arteritis / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon beta-1a