AA-amyloidosis as a rare cause of kidney disease in patient with Takayasu’s arteritis

Abstract

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a systemic large vessel vasculitis that usually develops at young age in females and affects aorta and its branches (pulseless disease). Patients with TAK frequently present with renal artery stenosis associated with renovascular hypertension and ischemic nephropathy, whereas glomerular and interstitial kidney disease is very rare. As any other chronic inflammatory diseases, TAK can be complicated with AA-amyloidosis manifesting by progressive proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal failure. AA-amyloidosis in patients with TAK and other immune-mediated inflammatory disease justifies intensification of immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory therapy (e.g. using interleukin-6 inhibitors) that is essential to prevent progression of kidney amiloidosis.