An unusual cause of stroke in a young female

Am J Emerg Med. 2014 Jun;32(6):685.e3-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.11.039. Epub 2013 Nov 26.

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis is a granulomatous vasculitis of medium- to large-sized arteries. Initial presentation is usually with nonspecific constitutional symptoms, but unusually, it can present with acute ischemic features in the advanced disease. We present a case of a young Asian female who presented with acute stroke due to Takayasu arteritis. Involvement of proximal arteries was a source of embolism, which was the most likely cause of stroke in this patient. Patient made a good clinical recovery with a combination of medical treatment and rehabilitation. Takayasu arteritis should be considered as a possibility in all young patients presenting with stroke, as this is fairly responsive to medical management and associated with good clinical outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carotid Artery, Common / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging
  • Stroke / etiology*
  • Takayasu Arteritis / complications*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed