Successful spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section in an African patient with Takayasu�s arteritis

Abstract

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease affecting mainly the aorta and its main branches. We report a case of a 24-year-old primigravida, an African patient, with TA planned for caesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation. Clinically, she has involvement of aortic arch and its branches and abdominal aorta. She underwent caesarean section and delivered an alive baby boy under successful spinal anaesthesia with insignificant complications. Although it is rare in the African continent, anesthesiologists should be up-to-date with the knowledge of perioperative anesthetic management of TA in pregnant cases requiring operative delivery.

Pregnancy issues in Takayasu arteritis

“…Labour and delivery can be managed with epidural analgesia for the majority of patients (26)(27)(28)(29). Regional anaesthesia can induce variations of blood pressure and should be used with caution during delivery.…”

Managing Anesthesia for a Patient with Takayasu Illness

“…The course of this disease fluctuates, as it progresses to exacerbation and remission periods [ 3 ]. It affects mainly the aorta and its branches, and the subclavian artery is among the most common vessels affected [ 4 ]. The blood flow in the affected areas is reduced, and because of that, the patient may not have palpable pulses.…”