Aortic insufficiency caused by Takayasu's arteritis without usual clinical features

A 30-year-old woman with rapidly progressive, fatal aortic insufficiency was studied. Pathologic studies revealed that the aortic insufficiency was caused by dilation of the aortic root due to Takayasu's arteritis that, unusually, was confined to the ascending aorta and aortic arch. When other diseases that bring about aortic insufficiency can be excluded, Takayasu's arteritis should be considered, even if most of its manifestations are absent.