Angiographic morphology in nonspecific aortoarteritis (Takayasu's Arteritis) : a study of 126 patients from north India

We have studied the angiographic morphology of nonspecific aortoarteritis, or Takayasu's arteritis, in 126 patients who underwent total aortoarteriography by intravenous or intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Steno-obstructive lesions were seen in 124 (98.4%) patients and commonly involved the abdominal aorta (76.1%), the renal (67.5%), and the subclavian (56.3%) arteries. They were usually symptomatic. Aneurysms were seen in 16 (12.7%) patients and predominantly involved the descending thoracic aorta (62.5%). They were clinically silent. Localized saccular aneurysms (75%) were more common than the fusiform variety. Asymptomatic pulmonary artery involvement was seen in 11 patients (n = 74; 14.9%). Right lung involvement (72.8%) was more common, usually as a stenosis or occlusion of a lobar branch in the upper zone. Intravenous DSA was usually adequate for establishing the diagnosis. In this population a distinct pattern of involvement and the young age at diagnosis were remarkable.