Takayasu disease revealed by bilateral loss of vision.

Objective: Takayasu arteritis is a nonspecific granulomatous inflammatory arteriopathy of unknown cause, most frequently diagnosed in young Asian women. The authors present an atypical initial presentation of Takayasu disease with bilateral loss of vision in a young Haitian man.

Methods: Case report.

Results: The presenting feature was bilateral loss of vision, a result of malignant hypertensive retinopathy and choroidopathy. Systemic evaluation disclosed inflammatory signs and renal artery obstruction which caused the malignant hypertension.

Conclusions: This case, involving an unusual presentation of Takayasu disease, illustrates how a malignant hypertensive retinopathy and choroidopathy led to the ultimate diagnosis of Takayasu disease.