Carotid steal syndrome with recurrent syncope: A novel manifestation of Takayasu arteritis.

Abstract

Syncope as a manifestation of Takayasu arteritis is rare. We present a case of recurrent syncope in a 33-year-old woman. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings confirmed a new diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. There was severe cerebrovascular involvement. Invasive angiography revealed vertebro-carotid artery collaterals causing a steal phenomenon. This resulted in vertebrobasilar insufficiency. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of syncope due to carotid steal syndrome in Takayasu arteritis.