Pulseless in the Caribbean
Introduction
Takayasu Arteritis (TA) is a chronic, large-vessel vasculitis commonly seen in
young women. Cerebral ischemia can manifest as neurological symptoms including
headaches, seizures, strokes, syncope, and visual disturbances.
Problem Highlighted: What is the etiology of a stroke in this sixteen-year-old female?
Case
A young female exhibited one week of aphasia and right-sided hemiplegia
which then progressed to dysarthria and hemiparesis. She had significant findings in her
vascular physical examination and also focal deficits to her limbs. CT Angiogram
demonstrated multiple vascular changes predominantly stenosis highly suggestive of
Takayasu Arteritis.
Conclusion
The patient had a complete resolution of her symptoms with treatment. It is
important to always pursue the etiology of a stroke in such a young patient.
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