Imaging Spectrum of Pediatric Nonspecific Aortoarteritis on CT Angiography: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction Takayasu’s arteritis, a chronic, idiopathic, inflammatory panarteritis, is the major cause of Aortoarteritis in pediatric age group. The purpose of this study is to analyze the patterns of involvement and imaging findings of pediatric Takayasu’s arteritis. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the CT angiographic images of 11 pediatric cases reported as “Takayasu’s arteritis” or “nonspecific arteritis” over the period of last 3 years. Results Mural thickening with luminal stenosis was the most common findings. Aneurysmal dilatation of the descending thoracic aorta was observed in one case. Vessel stenoses without mural thickening, thrombosis and collateral vessel formation were the other findings. Pattern of involvement ranged from variable involvement of thoracic and abdominal aorta and their branches. Conclusion Awareness of its CT angiographic appearances and distribution pattern can help the clinicians and radiologists to have high index of suspicion in aiding early diagnosis and better management of this disease.