ABSTRACT
Treatment of Takayasu's arteritis presents unique clinical problems to the surgeon that impact on the outcome of treatment. The disease is infrequent, with an annual incidence in one study of 2.6 cases per one million inhabitants (1,2). Most vascular surgeons rarely, if ever, see a case of Takayasu's arteritis. The ultimate outcome for patients with Takayasu's arteritis depends in part on the appropriate management of ischemia to vital organs. It is tempting and even appropriate to use principles learned in the treatment of elderly patients with advanced atherosclerosis as guidelines in the management of patients with Takayasu's arteritis. The differences, however, between atherosclerosis and Takayasu's arteritis are real and must be considered before surgical treatment of Takayasu's arteritis is undertaken.
