Takayasu's Arteritis: Current Status of Angioplasty and Stenting

Abstract

Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by stenotic occlusive lesions of the aorta and its major branches. The medical management of such lesions is far from satisfactory and surgical treatment is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Angioplasty with or without stenting has emerged as the treatment of choice for such lesions. Angioplasty and stenting of various vessels in Takayasu's arteritis are reviewed, highlighting the advantage of stents in reducing the rate of restenosis in chronically occluded or diffusely diseased vessels.