Takayasu's arteritis: a case study

A case study is presented of a 33-year-old female who was diagnosed with Takayasu's arteritis. The patient underwent a laparoscopic tubal ligation under general anesthesia without complication. Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic inflammatory disease seen primarily in women. It can involve the aorta and its major branches, as well as the coronary, hepatic, mesenteric, pulmonary, and renal arteries. Takayasu's syndrome is also known as the "pulseless disease," because of the characteristic lack of peripheral pulses. A wide variety of presentations are possible with this syndrome. Patients range from asymptomatic to severely compromised, and their medical condition and previous therapy can offer an interesting set of challenges. Monitoring patients with Takayasu's syndrome can give rise to several unusual problems. This case study discusses the anesthetic management of the patient with Takayasu's arteritis.