Inflammatory Cascade in Aortic Wall: Latent Tuberculosis Complicating Takayasu Arteritis in a Young Bangladeshi Lady- The Silent Duo

Abstract

Takayasu disease or pulseless disease is a rare chronic granulomatous panarteritis

of unknown aetiology affecting large vessels, particularly the aorta and its main

branches. It mainly affects females more than males with the ratio of 8:1 and in the

second and third decade of life. Mechanism may be transmural fibrous thickening

of the arterial walls. Takayasu arteritis is characterized by inflammation of the vessel

wall, leading to occlusion of the vessel wall. It is represented with claudication, fever,

and arthralgia. Clinical features are chest pain, vascular bruits, hypertension. There

is indirect evidence signifying a potential link between tuberculosis (TB) and

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK); however, the exact mechanism and relationship between

TAK and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) remain elucidated. This case intends to

highlight the association between latent TB and TAK, as early detection can avoid

devastating consequences.