Introduction:
Takayasu Arteritis (TA), a rare, chronic vasculitis primarily affecting large vessels, is conventionally characterized by stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysm formation in the aorta and its main branches (1).However, emerging research and clinical observations have begun to shed light on its less typical manifestations, presenting a more complex and diverse spectrum of the disease than previously understood. This burgeoning awareness is pivotal in broadening the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for TA (2).
Traditionally, TA has been identified through its classic symptoms: pulselessness, vascular bruits, and differences in blood pressure between limbs. Nonetheless, recent studies and case reports have unveiled a range of atypical presentations (3). These unusual manifestations often lead to diagnostic challenges, as they can mimic other medical conditions and delay accurate recognition of TA. For instance, patients might present with symptoms resembling neurological disorders, renal impairments, or gastrointestinal complications, which are not immediately identifiable as consequences of vascular inflammation (3).
The significance of these unusual presentations lies not only in their diagnostic challenge but also in their potential impact on the management and prognosis of TA (4). The disease’s progression with atypical symptoms may alter the traditional therapeutic strategies, necessitating a more tailored and holistic approach. The complexity of these manifestations requires a high index of suspicion and a multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and other specialists, depending on the affected organ systems (5).
This introduction aims to delve into these atypical presentations of Takayasu Arteritis, exploring their clinical implications, challenges in diagnosis, and impact on management strategies. Understanding these unusual manifestations is crucial for clinicians to provide timely and accurate diagnosis, preventing disease progression and improving patient outcomes in this rare but impactful condition (5)