Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct with an Initial Manifestation of Takayasu's Arteritis: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Scientific background: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that can affect the aorta and its branches. The cerebral ischemia in TA can be caused by a variety of mechanisms. In one study, 75% of the patients presented with stroke as their initial manifestation of Takayasu's arteritis. Objective: We want to report two cases who had infarction in MCA as an initial manifestations of TA. Materials and methods: Previously healthy two young woman was admitted because of an acute stroke and they had differing upper extremity blood pressures. The MRI of their the brain revealed infarct in the middle cerebral artery area. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed extensive abnormalities consistent with arteritis of the carotid, vertebral, and subclavian and intracranial arteries in both patients. The patients were diagnosed as having Takayasu arteritis. Conclusion: When a previously healthy young woman presents with cerebrovascular ischemia, the diagnosis of a vasculitis should be considered.