Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Published date: Jul 30 2025

Journal Title: Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Issue title: ‎Volume 20 - 2025

Pages: 1 - 5

DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v20.14442

Kaviyapriya Natarajankaviya01bluebell@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

Amit Kumar Debamitjipmer@yahoo.co.inDepartment of Ophthalmology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

Hemanth Ramachandarhemanthramachandar15@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

Disha Agarwalda1001.disha@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

Augustine Josedrjosemdacademic@gmail.comDepartment of Clinical Immunology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

Shreyas Temkarshreyastemkar@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

Purpose: To report a case of a patient diagnosed with arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, who was later diagnosed with a severe form of Takayasu arteritis (TA).
Case Report: A 34-year-old lady presented with a sudden, painful loss of vision in the left eye for four months associated with headache and jaw claudication. Ocular examination revealed features suggestive of arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and microaneurysms scattered throughout the fundus in both eyes, consistent with Takayasu retinopathy. General examination and investigations, including CT aortogram, confirmed the diagnosis of TA. Despite being put on maximal immunosuppression, she developed severe systemic manifestations within the next three months and passed away due to the illness.
Conclusion: AION as a presenting feature in the setting of TA is uncommon, and its occurrence may indicate a progressive course and poor systemic outcomes.

Keywords: Immunosuppression, Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, Retinopathy, Takayasu Arteritis, Vasculitis

1. Danda D, Manikuppam P, Tian X, Harigai M. Advances in Takayasu arteritis: An Asia Pacific perspective. Front Med 2022;9:952972.

2. Serra R, Butrico L, Fugetto F, Chibireva MD, Malva A, De Caridi G, et al. Updates in pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of Takayasu Arteritis. Ann Vasc Surg 2016;35:210–225.

3. Chun YS, Park SJ, Park IK, Chung H, Lee J. The clinical and ocular manifestations of Takayasu arteritis. Retina 2001;21:132–140.

4. Schmidt MH, Fox AJ, Nicolle DA. Bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy as a presentation of Takayasu’s disease. J Neuroophthalmol 1997;17(3):156–161.

5. Arend WP, Michel BA, Bloch DA, Hunder GG, Calabrese LH, Edworthy SM, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of Takayasu arteritis. Arthritis Rheum 1990;33:1129–1134.

6. Szydełko-Paśko U, Przeździecka-Dołyk J, Nowak Ł, Małyszczak A, Misiuk-Hojło M. Ocular manifestations of Takayasu’s Arteritis - A case-based systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med 2023;12:3745.

7. Mirouse A, Biard L, Comarmond C, Lambert M, Mekinian A, Ferfar Y, et al.; French Takayasu network. Overall survival and mortality risk factors in Takayasu’s arteritis: A multicenter study of 318 patients. J Autoimmun 2019;96:35–39.

8. Li J, Zhu M, Li M, Zheng W, Zhao J, Tian X, et al. Cause of death in Chinese Takayasu arteritis patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016;95:e4069.

9. Fan L, Zhang H, Cai J, Yang L, Liu B, Wei D, et al. Clinical course and prognostic factors of childhood Takayasu’s arteritis: Over 15-year comprehensive analysis of 101 patients. Arthritis Res Ther 2019;21:31.

10. Comarmond C, Biard L, Lambert M, Mekinian A, Ferfar Y, Kahn JE, et al.; French Takayasu Network. Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of complications in Takayasu Arteritis: A multicenter study of 318 patients. Circulation 2017;136:1114–1122.