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Congestive Heart Failure Revealing Takayasu's Disease: About Two Cases at the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville

Received: 22 August 2026     Accepted: 5 September 2026     Published: 20 September 2026
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Abstract

Introduction: Takayasu's disease (TD) is a rare chronic large-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology that preferentially affects the aorta and its branches. Clinical manifestations are usually dominated by ischemic and vascular signs, and cardiac involvement, although rare, marks an important turning point in the course of the disease.) We report two cases of TD that showed up as congestive heart failure. Case presentations: the first with a four-year history of heart failure previously attributed to hypertensive heart disease, and the second with acute pulmonary edema in the context of a one-year history of intermittent lower-limb claudication. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a dilated cardiomyopathy with severely reduced ejection fraction and moderate aortic and mitral regurgitation in the first patient, and concentric hypertensive heart disease with moderate aortic regurgitation in the second. CT angiography of the aorta and its branches showed arterial wall thickening and occlusive lesions of the supra-aortic and/or iliac arteries in both patients, raising suspicion of TD. The diagnosis was confirmed using the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, with scores of 6 and 12 points, respectively. Both patients received standard heart failure therapy together with oral corticosteroid therapy. The first patient also received an oral anticoagulant following a transient ischemic stroke and remains on the waiting list for vascular surgery. Clinical signs of heart failure regressed with treatment in both patients. Conclusion: Cardiac involvement can be the presenting feature of Takayasu's disease. This diagnosis should be considered in a young woman presenting with heart failure associated with blood pressure asymmetry or absent peripheral pulses, so as to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Published in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research (Volume 10, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18
Page(s) 90-95
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Takayasu's Disease, Heart Failure, Brazzaville

References
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[2] Stamatis P. Giant cell arteritis versus Takayasu arteritis: an update. Mediterr J Rheumatol. 2020; 31(2): 174-182.
[3] Yang KQ, Meng X, Zhang Y, et al. Aortic aneurysm in Takayasu arteritis. Am J Med Sci. 2017; 354(6): 539-547.
[4] Zhang Y, Fan P, Zhang H, Ma W, Song L, Wu H, et al. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of chronic heart failure in adult Takayasu arteritis: a cohort study of 163 patients. Int J Cardiol. 2021; 325: 103-108.
[5] Mruthyunjaya P, Misra R. Update on Takayasu arteritis: year in review 2024. Int J Rheum Dis. 2024; 27(9): e15314.
[6] Suryono S, Wulandari P, Ariyanti D, et al. Takayasu arteritis with congestive heart failure in a 26-year-old male: a case report. Egypt Heart J. 2022; 74: 41.
[7] Yangui-Angateh, Ayegnon G, Meneas C, et al. Arteristis in black africans: an Ivorian surgical experience. Afr. Ann. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 2008; 3(1): 19-26.
[8] Konin KC, Adoh AM, Coulibaly I, et al. La maladie de Takayasu chez le Noir africain: aspects cliniques et radiologiques. Cardiol Trop. 2002; 28(112): 59-63.
[9] Mirault T, Messas E. La maladie de Takayasu. Rev Med Interne. 2016; 37(4): 223-229.
[10] Niamkey T, Ehlan F, Angoran I, et al. Takayasu’s arteritis revealed by massive aortic regurgitation. Trop Cardiol. 2019; 24(12): 4.
[11] Alnabwani D, Patel P, Kata P, Patel V, Okere A, Cheriyath P. The epidemiology and clinical manifestations of Takayasu arteritis: a descriptive study of case reports. Cureus. 2021; 13(9): e17998.
[12] Grayson PC, Ponte C, Suppiah R, Robson JC, Craven A, Judge A, et al. 2022 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022; 81(12): 1654-1660.
[13] Valente ES, Almeida RD, Sacco AG, Lazzari MC, Silva AMD, Andreazza M. Takayasu arteritis with renal artery stenosis diagnosed in a 65-year-old patient. J Bras Nefrol. 2015; 37(4): 501-504.
[14] Bouzerda A, Khatouri A. Cardiac manifestations of Takayasu's disease: observation and review of the literature. Pan Afr Med J. 2016; 24: 82.
[15] Mwipatayi BP, Jeffery PC. Takayasu arteritis: clinical features and management. Report of 272 cases. ANZ J Surg. 2005; 75(3): 110-117.
[16] De Silva NL, Withana M, Weeratunga P, Priyadharshana P, Atukorala I. Evolution into Takayasu arteritis in a patient presenting with acute pulmonary oedema due to severe aortic regurgitation: a case report. BMC Rheumatol. 2018; 2: 20.
[17] Ren Y, Du J, Guo X, Liu O, Liu W, Qi G, et al. Cardiac valvular involvement of Takayasu arteritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2021; 40(2): 571-579.
[18] Godil SA, Saqi B, Godil K, Sabzwari SRA, Rajeswaran Y. Catastrophic cardiac complications of Takayasu's arteritis. Cureus. 2020; 12(7).
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Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Paterne, B. R., Michel, K. L. C., Flore, M. N. S., Mou-Moué, N. L. K., Gibrel, K. K. E., et al. (2026). Congestive Heart Failure Revealing Takayasu's Disease: About Two Cases at the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville. Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research, 10(3), 90-95. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18

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    ACS Style

    Paterne, B. R.; Michel, K. L. C.; Flore, M. N. S.; Mou-Moué, N. L. K.; Gibrel, K. K. E., et al. Congestive Heart Failure Revealing Takayasu's Disease: About Two Cases at the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville. Cardiol. Cardiovasc. Res. 2026, 10(3), 90-95. doi: 10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18

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    AMA Style

    Paterne BR, Michel KLC, Flore MNS, Mou-Moué NLK, Gibrel KKE, et al. Congestive Heart Failure Revealing Takayasu's Disease: About Two Cases at the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville. Cardiol Cardiovasc Res. 2026;10(3):90-95. doi: 10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18,
      author = {Bakekolo Rog Paterne and Kouala Landa Christian Michel and Mongo Ngamami Solange Flore and Ngolo Letomo Kivie Mou-Moué and Kimbally Kaky Eric Gibrel and Ellenga Mbolla Bertrand Fikahem},
      title = {Congestive Heart Failure Revealing Takayasu's Disease: About Two Cases at the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville},
      journal = {Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {90-95},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ccr.20261003.18},
      abstract = {Introduction: Takayasu's disease (TD) is a rare chronic large-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology that preferentially affects the aorta and its branches. Clinical manifestations are usually dominated by ischemic and vascular signs, and cardiac involvement, although rare, marks an important turning point in the course of the disease.) We report two cases of TD that showed up as congestive heart failure. Case presentations: the first with a four-year history of heart failure previously attributed to hypertensive heart disease, and the second with acute pulmonary edema in the context of a one-year history of intermittent lower-limb claudication. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a dilated cardiomyopathy with severely reduced ejection fraction and moderate aortic and mitral regurgitation in the first patient, and concentric hypertensive heart disease with moderate aortic regurgitation in the second. CT angiography of the aorta and its branches showed arterial wall thickening and occlusive lesions of the supra-aortic and/or iliac arteries in both patients, raising suspicion of TD. The diagnosis was confirmed using the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, with scores of 6 and 12 points, respectively. Both patients received standard heart failure therapy together with oral corticosteroid therapy. The first patient also received an oral anticoagulant following a transient ischemic stroke and remains on the waiting list for vascular surgery. Clinical signs of heart failure regressed with treatment in both patients. Conclusion: Cardiac involvement can be the presenting feature of Takayasu's disease. This diagnosis should be considered in a young woman presenting with heart failure associated with blood pressure asymmetry or absent peripheral pulses, so as to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment.},
     year = {2026}
    }
    

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    T1  - Congestive Heart Failure Revealing Takayasu's Disease: About Two Cases at the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville
    AU  - Bakekolo Rog Paterne
    AU  - Kouala Landa Christian Michel
    AU  - Mongo Ngamami Solange Flore
    AU  - Ngolo Letomo Kivie Mou-Moué
    AU  - Kimbally Kaky Eric Gibrel
    AU  - Ellenga Mbolla Bertrand Fikahem
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    DO  - 10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18
    T2  - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research
    JF  - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research
    JO  - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research
    SP  - 90
    EP  - 95
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2578-8914
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.18
    AB  - Introduction: Takayasu's disease (TD) is a rare chronic large-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology that preferentially affects the aorta and its branches. Clinical manifestations are usually dominated by ischemic and vascular signs, and cardiac involvement, although rare, marks an important turning point in the course of the disease.) We report two cases of TD that showed up as congestive heart failure. Case presentations: the first with a four-year history of heart failure previously attributed to hypertensive heart disease, and the second with acute pulmonary edema in the context of a one-year history of intermittent lower-limb claudication. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a dilated cardiomyopathy with severely reduced ejection fraction and moderate aortic and mitral regurgitation in the first patient, and concentric hypertensive heart disease with moderate aortic regurgitation in the second. CT angiography of the aorta and its branches showed arterial wall thickening and occlusive lesions of the supra-aortic and/or iliac arteries in both patients, raising suspicion of TD. The diagnosis was confirmed using the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, with scores of 6 and 12 points, respectively. Both patients received standard heart failure therapy together with oral corticosteroid therapy. The first patient also received an oral anticoagulant following a transient ischemic stroke and remains on the waiting list for vascular surgery. Clinical signs of heart failure regressed with treatment in both patients. Conclusion: Cardiac involvement can be the presenting feature of Takayasu's disease. This diagnosis should be considered in a young woman presenting with heart failure associated with blood pressure asymmetry or absent peripheral pulses, so as to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment.
    VL  - 10
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Author Information
  • Health Sciences Faculty, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo;Department of Cardiology, Hospital Teaching of Brazzaville, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

  • Health Sciences Faculty, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo;Department of Cardiology, Hospital Teaching of Brazzaville, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

  • Health Sciences Faculty, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo;Department of Cardiology, Hospital Teaching of Brazzaville, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

  • Health Sciences Faculty, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

  • Health Sciences Faculty, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo;Department of Cardiology, Hospital Teaching of Brazzaville, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

  • Health Sciences Faculty, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo;Department of Cardiology, Hospital Teaching of Brazzaville, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

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