Endovascular intervention in Takayasu Arteritis. Case report

A four year old patient with no medical history was admitted to our hospital's Emergency Department, suffering from edema and hypertension. During physical examination a low pulse was detected in the left arm and a lack of pulses in lower limbs, with a blood pressure difference greater than 10 mm Hg between both arms. An echocardiogram demonstrated severe aortic abdominal coarctation and ventricular dysfunction. Takayasu arteritis was diagnosed and cardiac angiography was performed. Disconnection of left subclavian artery and severe tightness at the abdominal aorta were confirmed. The definitive diagnosis was Takayasu arteritis. Angioplasty with stent was performed in abdominal aorta, with good subsequent results. The pulses improved in the lower limbs, and normal blood pressure values without gradient between all members were registered. The echocardiogram improved ventricular function and the gradient in the coarctation area was significantly reduced.