Nonspecific aortoarteriitis (Takayasu's disease) (author's transl)

Histology of 10 certified and 5 possible cases of nonspecific aortoarteriitis (Takayasu's disease) is described. The lesions are not specific. They consist of diffuse or focal chronic inflammatory infiltrates in media and adventita. Granulomas with or without central coagulation necrosis may occur. Media and adventitia show a marked fibrous hyperplasia. The elastic fibers are destroyed. The intima is thickened by a fibrous proliferation. Secondary arteriosclerosis is frequently observed. Perforated or dissecting aneurysms due to the chronic inflammation of the aortic wall may occur. The abdominal aorta is most frequently affected, but any section of the aortic wall may be involved. Takayasu's disease is not rare in our area. Contrary to most of the tropical countries, females do not predominate among our patients and aged persons may be affected, too. Etiology is unknown, the affection probably belongs to the autoimmune diseases. The histologic differentiation from other inflammatory vascular diseases and even from a resorptive inflammation due to a perforated or dissected aneurysm may be extremely difficult.