Takayasu's arteritis: reversal of pulse deficit after early treatment with corticosteroids.

Takayasu's arteritis is a rare disease characterized by inflammation and stenosis of large arteries. The aortic arch and its branches are most often affected. Initial symptoms are nonspecific and the diagnosis may be delayed until signs of vascular insufficiency appear. Results of medical treatment have been conflicting. We report a case of a young woman with a short history of pulse deficits, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, narrowing of the subclavian arteries on arteriography, and a complete return of pulses after high dose corticosteroids. Takayasu's arteritis is a treatable disease in its early phase, but treatment response may be disappointing after irreversible vascular lesions develop.