Takayasu's arteritis syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) rarely coexists with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Eighteen cases of TA associated with SLE found by worldwide literature search are reviewed, and an additional unique case is reported in association with the presence of anti-cardiolipin antibody. Patients with TA and/or SLE have similar age of onset and female predominance. The absence of specific SLE markers in patients with TA who subsequently develop SLE suggests that the coexistence of these conditions may be coincidental. The antiphospholipid syndrome in patients with SLE may mimic the occlusive vasculitis of TA.