Takayasu arteritis in Umuahia, South East Nigeria

Takayasu arteritis is a rare, systemic inflammatory large vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology that predominantly affects women of childbearing age. It is defined as granulomatous inflammation of the aorta and its major branches. Although the disease has a worldwide distribution, it is observed more frequently in Asian countries. It is rare in the black race as only a few cases have been documented. The objective of this study is to present a case of Takayasu arteritis diagnosed in South East, Nigeria, which is a rare disease in blacks. A 34-year-old female with clinical and radiological features of Takayasu arteritis is presented and related literatures reviewed. Although Takayasu arteritis is rare in the black race, with heightened clinical suspicion and appropriate investigations, more cases may be diagnosed.