Abstract
BACKGROUND: Takayasu arteritis is a noninfective chronic vasculitis mainly involving the aorta and its main branches. The presentation of the disease is heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic to catastrophic illness. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old Caucasian woman with known Takayasu arteritis was referred to our hospital as she suffered symptoms suspicious for cerebral hypoperfusion. Computed tomography thorax angiography revealed occlusion of all aortic arch arteries and previous surgical bypasses. Cerebral perfusion depended on a few collaterals (from the distal common carotid artery to the right internal carotid artery and from the left and right internal mammary artery and the dorsal thoracic branches to both vertebral arteries). In addition, preoperative coronary angiography revealed an unusual and large collateral arising from the sinoatrial nodal artery to the left carotid artery. CONCLUSION: Takayasu arteritis is a relatively rare disease, with various and sometimes devastating neurological manifestations due to occlusion of the aortic arch branches. Our case highlights the importance of a thorough preoperative evaluation in search of collateral supply in symptomatic patients with Takayasu arteritis.