A challenging case of Takayasu’s arteritis in a young male with various manifestations and poor outcome

Abstract

A 17-year-old boy complaining of progressive dyspnea, fever, palpitations, a 22 mm Hg blood pressure difference between the 2 arms, and arm claudication. He had a history of psoriasis-like skin lesions and bronchiectasis. Echocardiography revealed a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, severe eccentric aortic insufficiency, circumferential aortic wall thickening, and a dilated ascending aorta with severe atherosclerotic changes. Based on imaging findings, a TA diagnosis was suggested. During his follow-up, the patient developed strabismus, blurred vision, and right sixth cranial nerve paralysis and went into a deep coma. Unfortunately, after 6 months of treatment, he expired due to COVID-19 infection.