Journal of Korean Medical Science  2002;17(5):695-698

doi:10.3346/jkms.2002.17.5.695

Takayasu's Arteritis Presented with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Report of Two Cases.

Dal Soo KIM 1 ; Jae Keon KIM ; Do Sung YOO ; Phil Woo HUH ; Kyuong Suck CHO ; Joon Ki KANG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Takayasu's Arteritis; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Blood Sedimentation; Aortography; Diagnosis

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that produces a narrowing of the aorta and its major branches. Fibrosis and thickening of the arterial wall often occur in later stages, resulting in a cerebrovascular accident. The authors report two young women patients who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and occlusive cerebrovasular disease associated with Takayasu's arteritis. Both patients had sudden headache and hemiparesis. Physical examination showed weak radial pulse, carotid bruit, and asymmetrical blood pressure. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated in both patients. SAH was confirmed by brain computerized tomography (CT) or lumbar puncture. Occlusive cerebrovascular disease was diagnosed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and cerebral angiography. The findings of aortography and cerebral angiography were compatible with Takayasu's arteritis, but intracranial aneurysm was not found in either patient.