Takayasu's Arteritis Presenting with Hypertension in Pulmonary Tuberculosis / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is an inflammatory disease involving large arteries and their branches. The etiology of TA is unknown, but infectious agents and genetic factors play a significant role in its pathogenesis. A relationship between TA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection has been suggested, since both diseases have similar chronic inflammatory lesions and the presence of occasional granulomas in arterial walls. Patients with TA have an increased immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, suggesting a role for this organism in the immunopathogenesis of the disease. Herein, we present a case of TA with active pulmonary tuberculosis in a Korean patient. A 21-year-old male presented with hypertension and active pulmonary tuberculosis. TA invading the renal artery was diagnosed while evaluating hypertension. The patient was treated with prednisolone, methotrexate, anti-hypertensive medications, and anti-tuberculosis medications.