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Takayasu arteritis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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ModerateVasculitisTakayasu arteritisSCE Rheumatology

A 27-year-old woman has arm claudication, constitutional symptoms and dizziness on exertion. Blood pressure is 148/86 mmHg in the right arm and 104/70 mmHg in the left; ESR is 72 mm/hour. MR angiography shows stenosis of the left subclavian artery and wall thickening of the aortic arch. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Takayasu arteritis

Young age, limb claudication, unequal arm blood pressure and large-vessel arterial wall inflammation are typical of Takayasu arteritis. GCA is usually a disease of older adults, though both are large-vessel vasculitides. Cross-sectional vascular imaging is central for diagnosis and monitoring.

Reference: EULAR large-vessel vasculitis recommendations; BSR rheumatology curriculum