Massive progression of annuloaortic ectasia in a patient with Takayasu aortitis.

A 52-year-old woman with Takayasu aortitis had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting and left subclavian artery reconstruction two years before admission to the Kinki University Medical Hospital (Osaka, Japan). On this admission, marked annuloaortic ectasia with severe aortic regurgitation was noted on echocardiography and aortography. Because of refractory heart failure, a modified Bentall operation was performed. Considering the serious cardiovascular complications of Takayasu aortitis, such as aneurysmal dilation of the aortic root, coronary artery ostial stenosis and, frequently, the need for surgical intervention, patients should be monitored closely.