According to a story from thehansindia.com, 47 year old Xaverine Mukabaranga of Rwanda, Africa, checked herself into Manipal Hospitals. She reported symptoms of persistent chest pain affected her left side. The patient had previously been diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis, a type of vasculitis. This patient had been treated with surgery five years earlier using a procedure called reduction aortaplasty.
About Takayasu Arteritis
Takayasu arteritis is a form of large vessel granulomatous vasculitis that is characterized by scarring affecting the inner layer of the blood vessels and narrowing of the vasculature. The aorta (the main blood vessel leaving the heart) and its branches are most commonly affected. The precise cause of the disease isn’t fully known, but there appears to be a significant genetic basis. Asian females between ages 15-30 are most likely to be affected, but the disease can impact anyone. Females are 8 to 9 times more likely to be affected than males. Symptoms include fever, malaise, fainting, fatigue, joint pain, night sweats, and weight loss. As progression occurs, anemia, hypertension, aneurysms, and neurological problems may appear. Treatment for Takayasu arteritis often includes steroids; other medications, such as tocilizumab and mycophenolate have also been used with success. Revascularization surgery may be needed in some patients, either with an angioplasty/stenting approach or vascular bypass. The disease is potentially lethal without proper treatment. To learn more about Takayasu arteritis, click here.
A Risky Surgery
A recent CT scan indicated multiple areas of aorta dilation, suggesting that the patient’s disease has progressed. A further CT scan upon admission to the hospital revealed multiple aneurysms that were impacting the neck, heart, and lower body blood supply. This discovery caused doctors to recommend surgery promptly to prevent rupture of the aneurysms.
It was a risky procedure with multiple aneurysms at high risk of rupture, and the patient’s right kidney had stopped working. This complex operation involved replacing the arch, ascending, and descending thoracic aorta using an approach called the Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique. Despite the high-risk operation, the surgery has so far appeared to be a complete success. Xaverine’s recovery proceeded well post-operation, and she was discharged after ten days.
