Takayasu arteritis in pediatric: a rare case

Takayasu arteritis is a rare disease characterized by chronic inflammatory vasculitis, most commonly affecting young women. If left untreated, it can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition is exceptionally uncommon in children. We report a rare case of a 12-year-old girl presenting with recurrent shortness of breath and lower limb swelling over a three-month period. On physical examination, she exhibited a systolic murmur and reduced peripheral pulses in the lower extremities. Laboratory evaluation revealed a markedly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), while echocardiography demonstrated thoracic aortic stenosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, moderate mitral regurgitation, and mild tricuspid regurgitation. Based on the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and laboratory results, a diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis was established. The patient was treated with oral corticosteroids (prednisone), inotropic support (dobutamine), and standard heart failure therapy, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and digitalis. During hospitalization, her clinical symptoms improved, and she was discharged in stable condition. At follow-up, she reported no dyspnea, and ec