An Interesting Case of Takayasu Arteritis With Acute Bilateral Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is an autoimmune vasculitis with unknown etiology. It can have varied presentations ranging from nonspecific symptoms to florid vasculitic symptoms. Awareness of the complications of this disease is also vital in managing patients who are already diagnosed with TA. We present the interesting case of a middle-aged woman, diagnosed case of TA who presented with an acute pulmonary embolism masquerading as an acute lower respiratory infection. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of acute major thromboembolism can be fatal. There needs to be a high index of suspicion from the clinician's end to reach a diagnosis and prompt intervention.