Efficacy and Safety of Primary Stenting in Takayasu Arteritis: Report of Four Cases

Background- Takayasu arteritis (TA), an inflammatory disease of unknown origin, frequently affects major aortic branch vessels and causes many symptoms, including brain and retinal ischemia and hypertension. Methods- Four patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) underwent angioplasty and stent placement in the renal arteries due to uncontrolled hypertension. Complications of the procedure include transient bradycardia and mild hypotension, probably due to contrast agent; however, there was no major complication. Results- No restenosis has been reported in the six-month follow up of the patients with angiography. Serum creatinine levels remained unchanged in the four patients. The difference between pre- and post-interventional arterial blood pressures was measured. Mean systolic bloodpressure changed from 227.5mmHg to 150mmHg and mean diastolic pressure dropped from 122mmHg to 85mmHg. Conclusion- The stenotic lesions in TA can be managed successfully with angioplasty and stent placement. Short-term follow up showed stenting had increased the success rate of the procedure, achieved larger luminal diameters and it seemed to decrease the incidence of restenosis. However long-term follow up is suggested to determine the restenosis rate (Iranian Heart Journal 2007; 8 (3): 36-40).