Nonsurgical treatment of Takayasu's disease

Success of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in disorders other than atherosclerosis has been reported in recent papers. It has been stated, however, that the unique histopathology characteristic of Takayasu's arteritis may prevent a successful dilatation of the stenotic segments. In a recent case, however, PTA was successful in the treatment of bilateral renal artery stenosis secondary to Takayasu's arteritis. Although more time is needed to evaluate the long-term results of this nonsurgical treatment, it is evident that the stenotic lesions in Takayasu's disease are amenable to balloon dilatation. PTA should be attempted in such cases, and surgery should only be performed in case of failure.