Non specific aortoarteritis (Takayasu's disease). An immunologic and autopsy study.

Large segments of the aorta and its major branches were found to be diseased in 14 autopsied cases of aortoarteritis. Both renal arteries and the left subclavian artery were frequently affected. Superior vena cava thrombosis and thickening of the inferior vena cava were noted in one case each. Tuberculosis was present as small foci in only 3 of the 14 cases. Angiographic evaluation also revealed thickening and narrowing of diseased segments. The descending thoracic and abdominal aorta and renal arteries were frequently involved. Aneurysmal lesions were infrequent. Antiaorta antibodies were investigated using 4 different parameters. None of our cases showed their presence. The role of tuberculosis and/or autoimmunity appears unlikely in the etiopathogenesis of aortitis.