Cerebrovascular accident from carotid artery occlusive disease or severe hypertension can occur. 12 Proximal aortic or coronary artery disease can result in angina or myocardial infarction. Angiography for abdominal coarctation demonstrates focal or diffuse occlusive disease along the length of the abdominal aorta. The mesenteric vessels are also often involved. 13 Takayasu's disease is suggested by history, confirmatory immunologic investigation and an angiographic picture of occlusive or aneurysmal disease of the entire abdominal and thoracic aorta in association with subclavian and extracranial carotid artery occlusive lesions.
Focal disease is uncommon.
An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is almost invariably found in the acute phase of the illness. Arterial biopsy may help confirm the diagnosis. The treatment of abdominal coarctation is usually surgical with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Repair of abdominal coarctation involves bypass of the involved aorta with renal and mesenteric revascularization. Isolated renal artery involvement has been treated with percutaneous balloon angioplasty.