COMBINED GENERAL AND EPIDURAL-ANESTHESIA FOR A PATIENT WITH TAKAYASUS-ARTERITIS - CASE-REPORT

Background and Objectives. The case is presented of a 44-year-old woma n with type I Takayasu's arteritis, undergoing total abdominal hystere ctomy Methods. Her previous symptoms were related to subclavian and ve rtebral artery lesions that were treated surgically, and to right caro tid stenosis (amaurosis fugax 1-year before the operation) that was no t treated. Peripheral pulses were present and blood pressure monitorin g was not a problem (invasive intra-arterial pressure monitoring was u sed). Neurologic monitoring was considered to be mandatory in this cas e and a computerized electroencephalography monitor was used, both to confirm the adequacy of anesthesia and, more importantly, to monitor u nilateral cerebrovascular events. Results. The patient underwent surge ry with combined epidural and general anesthesia, without any complica tions. The epidural block was used throughout the early postoperative period for analgesia. Conclusions. The management of patients with Tak ayasu's arteritis requires a knowledge of the location and pathophysio logy of vascular lesions.