ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report the follow-up results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of supra-aortic arteries in patients presenting with neurological manifestations caused by Takayasu's arteritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PTA was performed in four consecutive patients (women, age range 33-38 years) with Takayasu's arteritis (TA) with neurological manifestations (i.e., stroke, visual disturbance, and dizziness) caused by stenoocclusive lesions of supra-aortic arteries. RESULTS: PTA was attempted on 5 lesions: VA (n=3), subcalvain artery (n=1), and brachiocephalic artery (n=1). PTA was performed successfully in all patients. The neurological manifestations of the patients were improved after angioplasty. There was no immediate procedure-related complication or neurologic deficits and no restenosis on follow-up angiography in three patients. All patients were neurologically stable without occurrence of further neurological deficit during follow-up periods (9 months - 7 years). CONCLUSION: PTA of supra-aortic arteries in TA is safe and effective and provides good symptomatic relief in some patients with symptomatic multifocal stenoocclusive lesions of arch arteries.