Regression of carotid stenoses after corticosteroid therapy in occlusive thromboaortopathy (Takayasu's disease).

A 34-year-old, single Japanese woman with active Takayasu's disease presented with stenosed bilateral common carotid arteries, subtotal occlusion of the left subclavian artery, and complete occlusion of the ipsilateral proximal vertebral artery, as demonstrated by angiography. A right subclavian-left vertebral bypass using an autologous saphenous vein graft was successfully performed after 36 days of corticosteroid therapy. Subsequently, warfarin was administered in addition to prednisolone. After 32 months of treatment with a gradual reduction from 50 to 3.75 mg of prednisolone daily, angiography revealed a functioning bypass graft and regression of bilateral common carotid stenoses.