Endoluminal stenting for subclavian artery stenosis in Takayasu's arteritis

We describe a patient with Takayasu's arteritis (type I): occlusion of all large vessels of the aortic arch except the left subclavian artery which was, however, almost completely occluded, resulting in a characteristic subclavian steal syndrome. Elective left main subclavian artery balloon angioplasty followed by endoluminal stenting was performed with excellent results. After prolonged immunosuppressive treatment, at the 12-month follow-up there was no evidence of restenosis. In selected patients with Takayasu's arteritis and subclavian stenosis, elective endoluminal stenting can be used as a definitive procedure or as a bridge to surgical revascularization.