Takayasu's aortitis treated surgically by extensive aortic replacement. A case report.

A case report of Takayasu's arteritis with aneurysmal involvement of the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta is presented. The patient underwent successful two-stage operation by use of Elephant trunk technique. During the first operation, replacement of ascending aorta and aortic arch was done under selective cerebral perfusion. During the second-stage operation, replacement of the descending thoracic aorta was performed under partial cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative course was uneventful and one year after surgery the patient is doing well. Specific conditions and operative strategy required in case of extensive aortic involvement in Takayasu's arteritis are discussed.