Takayasu's Arteritis in Prepulseless Stage Manifesting Lymph Node Swelling and Hepatosplenomegaly

A 17-year-old male had fever of unknown origin (FUO) for 3 months with positive c-reactive protein, lymph node swelling, and hepatosplenomegaly. Biopsy specimens of the liver and lymph node disclosed nonspecific inflammation. Lymph node swelling and hepatosplenomegaly subsided gradually, while vascular murmur and pulselessness appeared. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed thickened arterial wall, while angiography disclosed arterial narrowing. From these findings he was diagnosed to have Takayasu's arteritis. The therapy with prednisolone was effective. Takayasu's arteritis is rarely manifested by hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy in its prepulseless stage. (Internal Medicine 34: 455-459, 1995)