Takayasu arteritis presenting in the context of active tuberculosis: a pediatric case

J Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Sep;19(6):344-7. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0b013e31829ce750.

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large-vessel vasculitis, most commonly presenting in young adults and more rarely in pediatric patients. An apparent association between TA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been noted previously, although this potential relationship is not yet understood. We present the case of a 16-year-old Haitian girl diagnosed with TA, originally presenting in the context of active tuberculosis. Our patient has been treated with antituberculosis therapy, corticosteroids, methotrexate, and rituximab to control her continued active vasculitis. With this case report, we seek to promote further exploration of the apparent association between TA and tuberculosis, as further clarification of the nature of this relationship may lead to the development of more targeted therapies and better outcomes for TA patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Comorbidity
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis*
  • Rituximab
  • Takayasu Arteritis / diagnosis*
  • Takayasu Arteritis / drug therapy
  • Takayasu Arteritis / epidemiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Rituximab
  • Methotrexate