Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Takayasu's Arteritis

Abstract

Takayasu's arteritis is a vasculitis that typically affects the large vessels of the body, but can occur in any arterial segment including those of the eye. Takayasu's arteritis was described by Takayasu, a Japanese ophthalmologist who related the presence of retinal arteriovenous anastomoses and the absence of pulses in the upper extremities. We present a 20-year-old female patient who attended the Ophthalmology service of the Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras Centro de Investigación y Posgrado, with a diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis and a picture of anterior nodular scleritis, which motivated an exhaustive review of the literature. In reviewing the few documented reports, the authors emphasize the importance of early ophthalmologic diagnosis and referral for multidisciplinary management of patients with steroid-dependent recurrent scleritis because of its implications, as it can be life-threatening.