Clinical application of captopril renal scintigraphy in Takayasu's arteritis

Takayasu's disease (pulseless disease) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the medium and large arteries, with a strong predilection for the aortic arch and its branches; hence, it sometimes is referred to as aortic arch syndrome. The etiology is unknown, although a systemic immunologic process seems most likely. About half the reported cases also revealed involvement of the pulmonary and renal arteries. The involvement is more marked in the origin of the vessel than distally. Although it is more common among Orientals, its distribution is worldwide, without racial boundary. A case is presented in which captopril renal scintigraphy and digital subtraction angiography were used to show renal artery stenosis as the cause of the patient's hypertension.