Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the subclavian artery in Takayasu disease: results of long-term follow-up

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic inflammatory arteriopathy of unknown etiology affecting the aorta and proximal portion of its main branches. Although it was initially reported in young women of Oriental descent, its current worldwide distribution is known to affect both sexes. In the last decade, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has emerged as a viable alternative in its treatment. However, the percentage of restenosis is more common in Takayasu disease than atherosclerotic lesions (21% vs 10%), probably due to diffuse inflammatory vascular involvement. Since the introduction of stent, this technique has emerged as a viable alternative to treatment of atherosclerotic stenotic lesions, although its efficacy and safety in Takayasu disease is still unclear. Herein, we report our experience in a woman with subclavian steal syndrome in whom Takayasu disease was diagnosed and treated with subclavian artery angioplasty and stent, with a good outcome during four years of follow-up.