Long-term successfully endovascular treatment of a complicated Takayasu's arteritis with thrombectomy and stenting: a case report.

Abstract

Background: Takayasu arteritis is a rare form of large-vessel vasculitis primarily affecting the aorta and its major branches, with a higher prevalence in young women. This inflammatory disease can lead to significant complications, including ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks, though large-vessel occlusion stroke is an uncommon initial manifestation. Diagnosis relies heavily on vascular imaging, and treatment typically involves high-dose glucocorticoids, revascularization procedures, and close monitoring for restenosis, which occurs frequently after interventions.

Case presentation: This case report describes a 38-year-old North African woman who presented with acute left-sided hemiparesis and visual disturbances due to large-vessel occlusion involving the common carotid artery and middle cerebral artery. Mechanical thrombectomy and stenting were performed successfully, resulting in complete recanalization without complications. The patient was later diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis, and this was managed with high-dose corticosteroids. During a 2-year follow-up, no complications such as restenosis or re-occlusion were observed, and the patient remained in good health.

Conclusion: This case is notable for the successful use of dual mechanical thrombectomy and stenting in the acute management of stroke in Takayasu arteritis without short- or long-term complications, a rare outcome not commonly reported in the literature. It highlights the potential efficacy of this approach in carefully selected patients, suggesting that postoperative immunosuppressive therapy may reduce the incidence of restenosis.