TAKAYASUS-ARTERITIS - THE MIDDLE AORTIC SYNDROME

An isolated, long segment abdominal aortic coarctation is an infrequen t occurrence. Although different names have been given to this entity, it is believed that all represent different stages of nonspecific inf lammatory arteritis, or Takayasu's disease. Usually involving the arch and descending aorta, occasionally an isolated segment of the abdomin al aorta is involved. Morbid presentation reflects the involvement wit h narrowing of visceral branches and aortic occlusive disease, as illu strated in this case. Operative intervention with aortic bypass and vi sceral revascularization is the treatment of choice for recurrent or e xtensive aortic involvement.