Restoration of vision by endovascular revascularization in Takayasu arteritis: A case series

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare, inflammatory vasculitis affecting aorta and its branches. Stenotic occlusive lesions of multiple arch arteries can cause severe cerebral ischemia leading to impaired vision. We present three consecutive young patients of TA with severe diminution of vision on upright posture, where we attempted restoration of sight by improving cerebral blood flow by percutaneous endovascular revascularization. All three patients could be successfully revascularized with substantial improvement in vision. There was no complication. On follow up, one patient developed recurrence of visual symptoms due to restenosis, which was successfully treated by cutting balloon angioplasty. The objective of this case series is to highlight the role of endovascular techniques in reversing visual loss in such situations. <Learning objective: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is an inflammatory vasculitis that can affect arch arteries leading to near complete obliteration and often disabling symptoms such as loss of vision. This case series (3 cases) shows that stent-supported angioplasty is a minimally invasive technique which is safe and effective in restoring impaired vision caused by severe cerebral hypoperfusion in TA.>.