Obscure stenosing aortitis and arteritis associated with perivascular lymphadenitis--combined angiographic and...

A series of eleven cases of an obscure occlusive type of aortitis and arteritis is reported. These are characterised by chronic nonspecific perivascular lymphadenitis and fibrosis, constricting the lumen of the vessels. Subsequent spread of the inflammatory process produces irreversible changes in the vessel wall. Timely excision of the nodes, release of fibrous strands and decompression of the vessels may result in a permanent cure; The inflammatory process is nonspecific in nature. The etiology is obscure and is subject to speculation. Tuberculous inflammation of the lymph nodes appears to be unlikely while filarial lymphadenitis is probable. The disease is not a primary panarteritis as observed in Takayusu's disease or allergic vasculitis. Males are predominantly affected and present invariably with clinical signs and symptoms of peripheral vascular obliterative disease of the lower extremities.