J LAM1, JM RICHMOND1,2
1Ballarat Health Service, Ballarat, VIC; 2Deakin University Medical School, Ballarat, VIC
Background: Takayasu’s Arteritis (T.A.) is a rare autoimmune leukocyte-mediated condition that leads to the inflammation and destruction of blood vessels. Despite widely accepted diagnostic criteria, T.A. diagnosis can be difficult.
Case Report: We describe the clinical presentation and management implications of four cases of large vessel arteritis, consistent with Takayasus’ arteritis identified in a regional community. Two cases presented with hypertension, renal artery stenosis and mid-aortic involvement.
Conclusions: The report highlights the variable presentation of these cases, the difficulties with establishing a diagnosis and also emphasises the differences in the disease manifestations which can occur between the Caucasian population and the classical syndrome.