We report an 18 year old black woman who presented with nephrotic synd
rome in whom the investigations led to the diagnosis of diffuse Takaya
su's disease, renal amyloidosis of AA type and interstitial lung disea
se. Proteinuria in Takayasu's disease is usually ascribed to hypertens
ion or more rarely to glomerulonephritis. This case suggests that amyl
oidosis should be considered also in the investigation of proteinuria
in these patients in view of the serious prognostic implications. This
case represents further evidence that Takayasu's disease can be the c
ause of systemic reactive amyloidosis which may also be the presenting
feature.