Pulseless disease (Takayasu arterteritis, aortic arch syndrome)
First described by Dr. Mikito Takayasu, a Japanese ophthalmologist in 1908 and
subsequently named after him. It is a rare vasculitis of large vessels of unknown
origin affecting from infancy to adults. In children often suspected when pulses
are not felt during examination for other reasons because of nonspecific constitutional
symptoms. Angiography or MRI shows multiple areas of stenosis and aneurysm. Detailed
history reveals symptoms of ischaemia including abdominal pain, claudication and
syncope. It is treated with corticosteroid in high doses.