Vol.22 No.3

Case Report

Severe deterioration of newly diagnosed Takayasu arteritis in a patient re-treated with interferon beta-1α for concomitant longstanding multiple sclerosis

Authors

Andreas P. Diamantopoulos1 , Helene Hetland1 , Atle E. Hansen2 , Geirmund Myklebust1

  • Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southern Norway, Service box 416, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway
  • Department of Neurology, Hospital of Southern Norway, Service box 416, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway
Received:

27 June 2011

Accepted:

25 August 2011

Published online:

17 September 2011

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Abstract

A 52-year-old woman with Takayasu arteritis and a known history of multiple sclerosis had been treated with subcutaneous interferon (IFN) beta-1α. After the reintroduction of the IFN beta-1α, the patient had a gradual worsening of the arteritis, with claudication symptoms in the left arm and increased inflammation markers. An evaluation using Doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic vessels revealed severe stenosis of the left axillary artery. The IFN beta-1α was withdrawn, with prompt clinical and laboratory improvement of the vasculitis.

Key words

Interferon beta - Multiple sclerosis - Takayasu arteritis - T helper 1 cells - Ultrasound