REPORTE DE CASO: ARTERITIS DE TAKAYASU EN ECUADOR

Abstract

Introduction Takayasu's arteritis is a panarteritis, characterized by chronic inflammation, that affects large vessels, especially the Aorta and its main branches. This pathology is extremely rare, has a higher incidence in Japan, presenting low incidence in Latin America. Case description We present the case of a young adult, with no significant medical history, who presents a 3 months of evolution intense headache initially classified as trigeminal neuralgia and cluster headache. Asymmetric pulses and variation in blood pressure between both upper extremities where observed which allowed several presumptive diagnoses to be considered. In the complementary examinations, the patient showed sustained elevation of acute phase reactants. Our patient met four diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology for Takayasu arteritis and the diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic Angio resonance of the neck, chest and abdomen, where involvement of the entire route of the aorta was observed. In context to treatment, the first-line therapy is high-dose steroids. In patients in whom the suspension of steroids is difficult, combined therapy with immunosuppressive agents is used. In the case of our patient, combined therapy with prednisone and methotrexate was chosen, which presented a favorable evolution. Conclusion Takayasu arteritis is an infrequent vasculitis, however, it is important to make an early diagnosis and treatment in order to improve the prognosis, stop the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from this pathology.